RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON GISBORNE ROCK LOBSTER FISHERY

2 September 2002

The Ministry of Fisheries has lifted some commercial and recreational controls on rock lobster fishing in the CRA3 area (off the Gisborne coast, from the East Cape lighthouse to the mouth of the Wairoa river).

The restrictions removed are the prohibition on commercial fishing for rock lobster during the period 1 September to 30 January, and the prohibition on recreational fishing for rock lobster that applies during the period 1 September to 30 November. The prohibition on commercial fishers landing females not carrying eggs during the period June, July and August has also been lifted.

The restrictions were imposed in 1993 as part of a range of measures implemented, including a substantial reduction to the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC), when the CRA3 rock lobster fishery was in a depleted state. The CRA3 rock lobster fishery has now rebuilt to acceptable levels, and these restrictions are no longer considered necessary.

After extensive discussions with recreational, customary and commercial fishers in the Gisborne area, the Ministry of Fisheries has removed the measures on the basis that they prevent commercial, customary and amateur fishers from maximising benefit from the fishery by taking rock lobster when they want.

Sustainability of the CRA3 rock lobster fish stock will be ensured by the TACC, as is the case in other rock lobster fisheries.