Southern Region Fishery Management Area
Closed and restricted areas
The use of set nets is prohibited from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise in specified areas around Motunau Islands and Banks Peninsula.
Drag netting is prohibited in the Catlins River upstream of the Hinahina Bridge. (Contact the Ministry of Fisheries for the exact locations).
The use of set nets is prohibited in specified areas in the following places: Moeraki, Upper Otago Harbour, Port Chalmers, Taiaroa Head, High Cliff, Catlins Lake, Waiau River to Waitaki River - closed 1st October to 31st March inclusive - (Contact the Ministry of Fisheries for details of closures).
Paterson Inlet: Within Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island (those waters lying inside a line between Ackers Point and Bullers Point on The Neck) the following restrictions apply.
- Dredging for shellfish prohibited
- Use and possession of set nets, longlines and cod pots is prohibited
- Limit of two rock lobster pots per person.
Additional bylaws now apply within the Te Whaka a Te Wera Mataitai Reserve including area closures, prohibitions and reduced bag limits. (Contact the Ministry of Fisheries for further details).
Fiordland Marine Area: Specific rules apply for the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area including area closures and reduced bag limits. (Contact the Ministry of Fisheries for details and a copy of the Fiordland Marine Area brochure).
The Department of Conservation should be contacted for details regarding:
- Any set net bans in force for much of the Banks Peninsula and the surrounding area to protect marine mammals.
- Marine Reserve closures (prohibited fishing areas) that exist within the Canterbury, Stewart Island and Fiordland areas.