Auckland and Kermadec Fishery Management Area

Closed and restricted areas

In each of the regional Fishery Management Areas, there are closed and restricted areas where no fishing is allowed. These areas may be closed by the Ministry of Fisheries as prohibited areas (e.g. area near the Auckland International Airport and Tawharanui Peninsula) or by the Department of Conservation as marine reserves (e.g. Long Bay – Okura Marine Reserve).

Within the North Region there are locations which are closed to shellfish gathering. The following notes identify some of the areas, but this should only be used as a guide as closures may change from time to time. If you are unsure of the location of closures or the species subject to closure, you should contact your nearest Ministry of Fisheries office.

Shellfish closures and restricted areas

The following areas within Auckland are closed to all shellfish gathering: Eastern Beach, Karekare Beach, and Cheltenham Beach. The area between Ngarimu Bay and Wilsons Bay on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula is closed to the collection of cockle and pipi.

Set nets

The following areas are closed to set netting: Three Kings Islands, Cape Reinga – Scott Point, Reef Point to Whangape Harbour, Bay of Islands (Cape Wiwiki, Whale Rock, The Twins - Cape Brett) northern side of the Hen and Chickens, Mokohinau Islands, Simpson Rock, Little Barrier, Great Barrier (Needles Point, eastern side of Arid Island, Cape Barrier),Channel Island, Cape Colville, most of the Mercury Islands, Pauanui, Tamaki River, Panmure Basin, Muriwai Beach, Karekare Beach, Pariokariwa Point to Maunganui Bluff, Manukau Heads and Cape Runaway.

Set nets and set lines

These methods are prohibited in the following places: all year round the Poor Knights Islands, Mimiwhangata, and Mayor Island; from 1 October to 30 April in the eastern Bay of Islands (except for grey mullet and flatfish nets); from 1 December to 31 March for 6 nautical miles from Okatoa Rock (near Motu River mouth). Contact the Ministry of Fisheries for the exact locations.

Closed Area