14 July 2016
LegaSea welcomes Minister’s decision
Nathan Guy’s decision to partially close Southern Scallops to all fishing for a season is a good decision to protect the
highly prized scallop fishery at the top of the South Island. Recreational group LegaSea supports a complete ban of
scallop harvesting until the fishery recovers to abundant levels.
The Minister for Primary Industries’ decision applies to popular scallop beds fished by both recreational and commercial
fishers in the Marlborough Sounds and eastern Tasman Bay. The closure will run for the current season which ends in
February 2017.
Over 150 submissions were made to the Ministry’s review process with the majority of submissions agreeing that the
fishery needed to close.
LegaSea spokesperson Richard Baker says, “We welcome the Minister’s decision even though it didn’t go as far as we would
have liked. It is encouraging that people are willing to leave these scallop beds undisturbed this year to maximize the
chance for a rapid rebuild, for their children and future generations to enjoy.”
LegaSea and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council made recommendations as part of their submission that a long term view
needed to be taken, and closing the fishery was only the first step. The submission recommended the Southern Scallop
fishery remain closed until abundance improved.
In October, MPI will consult on new management proposals for the 2017 season.
ENDS