Submission against continued sand extraction - coastal marine area

NZUA and LegaSea provided a submission against the continuation of an existing sand extraction operation from the Auckland Offshore Sand Extraction Site, which allowed for 2,000,000 m3 of sand over a 20-year period with a limit of 150,000 per annum.

Previous consent was for a wider area, however the new area is concentrated of Pakiri Beach. Te Arai Point is in the middle of this new area, which is in close proximity to

Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Our concerns relate to the impacts to Goat Island Marine Reserve, and the potential impact upon recreational activity at Te Arai Point, which is the only rocky point in a large sandy bay and serves as a popular location for divers and fishermen.

More information is available at https://www.bettyzine.com/stories/nearshore-sand-mining-pakiri-mangawhai.

Submission in support of extending the Maunganui Bay (Deepwater Cove) temporary closure

NZUA and Spearfishing New Zealand (SNZ) provided a submission in support of the continued closure of Maunganui Bay. The wreck of the former HMNZS Canterbury is located in this Bay, and has become a world class diving destination as a result abundant marine life living on the artificial reef.

This has created a compelling reason for members from around New Zealand to visit Northland and experience both diving the wreck, and the bay itself, contributing local tourism and encouraging a large snapper population - which is only possible as a result of the ongoing closure to fishing in this location.

Submission to the review of catch levels for Northland scallops for 2020/21

NZUA and SNZ provided a submission reducing the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for scallops by 60%, and Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) by 75%. The submission has been implemented.

It is the NZUA’s strong desire for all dredging to be banned from inshore waters due to the damage it does to the marine environment, however this was not supported by the minister.

Review of Rock Lobster TACS in CRA 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8 for 2020/21

NZUA and SNZ provided a submission with recommendations for concessions that allow commercial fishers to take male rock lobster with a tail width less than the recreational size limit of 54 mm tail width in CRA 3, 7 and 8.

The current submission status for this and numerous fisheries management reviews can be found at mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-1-april-2020/