NEW BAG LIMIT FOR BLUE COD TAKES EFFECT

24 September 2003

NEW BAG LIMIT FOR BLUE COD TAKES EFFECT

A new recreational daily bag limit of three blue cod, with a new minimum size limit of 30 cm takes effect on 1 October 2003 for the Challenger East Area around the top of the South Island (Farewell Spit to the Clarence River, see map below).

These changes mean that the top of the South Island blue cod fishery will now be managed as a single recreational management area. The old daily bag limit for blue cod was six in the Marlborough Sounds area and 10 in Golden and Tasman Bays. The old minimum size was 28 cm in the Sounds and 33 cm in Golden and Tasman Bays.

Fisheries Minister Hon Pete Hodgson announced the need for the cut in the bag limit in May because of the heavy pressure recreational fishing is placing on blue cod stocks. The latest information indicated that the number of legal size blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds had halved between 1995-96 and 2001.

"The new bag limit for blue cod is a significant change that all recreational fishers need to be aware of," said Kim Drummond, Senior Fisheries Management Advisor at the Ministry of Fisheries. "Blue cod is the most important recreational fish species in the Marlborough Sounds. Large numbers of people come from Wellington and Christchurch and fish for blue cod. It is vital these people, along with local fishers, are aware of the new rules and comply with them to help rebuild blue cod stocks."

The Ministry will have more Fisheries Officers working in the area to ensure fishers comply with the new rules. A new Ministry office staffed by three fisheries officers will open in Blenheim before the end of the year. More Fisheries Officers will be out on the water to promote awareness and compliance with the new rules.

Mr Drummond asked recreational fishers to play their part in helping the blue cod fishery to recover by using large, barbless hooks (size 6 and over) when targeting blue cod.

"Research indicates that using such hooks reduces the likelihood of catching small fish, and lowers the incidence of hook damage to under-sized fish that are returned to the sea," he said.

"While I recognise that not all recreational fishers will welcome the changes, if they are not made, the blue cod fishery will continue to decline. Fishers must act now to conserve this important inshore fishery. All fishers need to comply with the rules to make it fair for everyone. People are encouraged to phone the Ministry on 0800 4 POACHER if they see anyone breaking the rules."

Ends

For further information contact Kim Drummond, Ministry of Fisheries, 03 548 1069 / 0274 978 366