Rahui To Protect Kaikoura Coastline

17 September 2002

The Ministry of Fisheries has closed popular Kaikoura shellfish gathering and fishing grounds for two years under a compulsory rähui aimed at allowing the area to recover.

The rähui is the first temporary closure under Section 186B of the Fisheries Act 1996. It closes the Waiopuka reef between Kaikoura's old and new wharves to all fishing and gathering, including seaweed. The closed area is well signposted.

The rähui has been imposed on the area because the fish stock had been depleted. During the two year closure period there will be research into the recovery of the fish stocks, and investigation into seeding paua and other species.

The rähui is the result of collaborative work between Te Rununga O Kaikoura, the Kaikoura Marine & Coastal Protection Society and the Ministry of Fisheries.