The closure covers beaches, rocky shores and rockpools on Auckland’s east and west coasts, Waiheke Island, and Coromandel, from the mean high-water mark to a point offshore where the water is 2m deep.
“This will protect a broad range of species that are vulnerable to overharvesting and other pressures, while keeping access to highly valued species that can sustainably be caught in the intertidal zone, such as rock lobster and squid,” Jones said.
The closure prohibits the take of marine invertebrates except for cockles, crabs, kina, octopus, oysters, pāua, pipi, rock lobsters, scallops, sea cucumbers, prawns/shrimps, squid, and tuatua.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The daily catch limit on shellfish outside of the zone will reduce the risk of overharvesting shifting to offshore or subtidal areas, the minister said.
The daily limit for green-lipped mussels outside of the zone will be reduced from 25 to 10 per person.
Continual monitoring and review will determine the changes’ impact and whether further measures are needed.
The new rules will stay in place until revoked by the Oceans and Fisheries Minister, Jones said.
The moves respond to community concerns about the sustainability of marine life in tidal areas, he said.
“The overwhelming majority of submitters during public consultation wanted far-ranging and meaningful restrictions. While I am reluctant to close our coastlines, it is a necessary step.”
The daily limit for green-lipped mussels will be reduced from 25 to 10 per person, while mussel take will be prohibited in the closure area.
“Kiwis should be able to enjoy our coastline and gather kaimoana but we have a responsibility to make sure fisheries resources are protected for all to enjoy.”
Jones labelled the new rules as “broad prohibition, with some sensible and evidence-based exceptions”.
The Government is also working to set up an infringement regime for the closure so Fishery Officers can hand out instant fines, Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft said.
“It is clear that a robust but proportionate penalty response is required.”
Discretion will be exercised by officers, she added.
“For example, tamariki exploring the rockpools with a bucket and spade will not face punishment for their curiosity. But where it is obvious our rockpools are being cleared out of all marine life through greed and selfishness, authorities will act.”