| Marine Reserves |
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There are a variety of types of marine reserves and no take areas in New Zealand. These areas are either established to set aside an area from all fishing pressure to preserve it or for study purposes, or to manage areas that are exposed to intense fishing pressure.
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Marine reserves are specified areas of the sea managed by the Department of Conservation, for scientific study. Once established, reserves are in place forever.
No fishing, dredging or dumping is permitted in a reserve.
The process used to implement marine reserves is not well managed, and no-take marine reserves are not a solution to poor fisheries management.
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Mataitai and Taiapure are customary area management tools. These tools are unlikely to have much effect on mobile finfish stocks but could be good for managing slow moving species such as crayfish, pāua and shellfish.
Tangata whenua appoint kaitiaki (guardians) for the sustainable use of the species within these areas.
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Taiapure are established in local areas that have been a food source for tangata whenua or are important for spiritual or cultural reasons.
The Minister of Fisheries approves a Taiapure and appoints a management committee. The committee can recommend regulations for the management and conservation of fish, aquatic life or seaweed in the Taiapure. Commercial fishing may continue in a Taiapure.
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Mataitai reserves are areas of importance to tangata whenua that are established to allow for customary food gathering.
Tangata whenua can make bylaws to manage all non-commercial fishing within the Mataitai. These bylaws apply to everyone, although Kaitiaki can allow customary fishing with a permit to occur for a marae function. Generally there is no commercial fishing within Mataitai reserves. Commercial fishing can be allowed but is usually limited to a certain amount of fish and/or time.
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The Minister of Fisheries can temporarily close an area, restrict or prohibit a fishing method to improve the availability and/or size of a species of fish or marine life in the area.
Temporary closures recognise a customary fishing practice in that area, such as a rāhui.
A temporary closure is in place for up to two years, but this can be renewed.
Temporary closures, restrictions or prohibitions apply to all fishing - customary, recreational, and commercial.
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| Identifying Fish |
| The Fish identification system is now online. Come and have a try at identifying some of our most common species of fish. Not sure how to differentiate a sand flounder from a yellowbelly flounder? Here is where you can find out. |
| Send us your pictures |
| We want your fishing pics! Send us a picture of your great (and not so great!) fishing pics and we will load them here on the site. |
| Staying Safe while fishing |
| New Zealand has a long and fantastic coastline, and offers so many opportunities for boat, rock and beach fishing. But anyone can get into difficulty or worse when on and around the water. There are some basic things you can do to ensure that your fishing is safe and enjoyable. |
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