Shellfish
Measuring shellfish
Paua: measure the greatest length of the shell in a straight line. Do not measure over the curve of the shell.
Scallop: measure the greatest diameter of the shell. (see diagram).
Dredge Oysters: must not pass through a rigid circular metal ring with an inside diameter of 58 mm.
Shellfish to be landed in a measureable state: all shellfish to which a minimum size restriction applies (including paua, scallops and dredge oysters) must be landed in the shell and cannot be shucked or shelled seaward of the main high-water mark. This includes transporting on the water from permanent or temporary place of residence.
- within prescribed limits, provision exists permitting the opening of dredge oysters and scallops for consumption onboard a vessel. Any scallops and dredge oysters not eaten must be landed in the shell.
Underwater breathing apparatus (UBA)
(does not include snorkels)
- No person may take paua using UBA.
- No person may be in possession of paua while in possession of UBA. This includes possession in or on any vessel or vehicle.
Open seasons
Oysters: In the Challenger FMA the oyster fishery is open year round. (Rock oysters and Pacific oysters must not be opened while they adhere to the object on which they grow).
Scallops: 15 July to 14 February inclusive.
Protection of coral
Black coral: No person may take or possess black coral.
The following restrictions on taking and possessing shellfish apply to all areas, unless specified:
| Shellfish species |
Daily limit per fisher |
*Minimum size (mm) |
| Cockles |
150 |
none |
| Kina (sea eggs) |
50 |
none |
| Mussels |
50 |
none |
Oysters
- Dredge*
- Rock & Pacific |
50
250
|
58
none
|
Paua
- Ordinary
- Yellow foot |
10
10
|
125
80
|
| Pipi |
150 |
none |
| Scallops* |
50 |
90 |
| Toheroa |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
| Tuatua |
150 |
none |
| All Others (combined)• |
50 |
none |
• This is a combined, mixed-species bag limit. It applies to all shellfish species not specifically named above, and includes all crabs, limpets, starfish, periwinkles, whelks, barnacles and freshwater crayfish (koura).
* Limited provision allows a diver on a vessel to gather extra bag limits of oysters and scallops for up to 2 other people acting in a dive safety capacity from that vessel.
Paua Accumulation Limits
When daily limits are accumulated the maximum number or amount of paua that one person can have in their possession at any one time is:
- 20 paua or
- shucked weight (shell removed) of 2.5kgs of paua
This possession limit applies everywhere, including in the home.