Central residents can have their say in person and online on proposed changes to Fiordland’s recreational fishing rules, but need to do so by September 30.

There are two Cromwell drop-in sessions on Thursday September 1 at Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church (10 Elspeth Street): 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Fiordland Marine Guardians have developed the proposal to support the sustainability of fisheries resources in this unique part of Aotearoa.

Established in 2005, the Fiordland Marine Guardians work with government agencies and provide advice and recommendations on managing the Fiordland Marine Area (Te Moana o Atawhenua).

Fisheries New Zealand South inshore manager Allen Frazer said the proposal could see a change to where recreational fishing occurs within Fiordland, and new daily limits for many species. 

“The guardians have expressed their concern about increasing recreational fishing effort in Fiordland and the effect this has on fish stocks. Their proposals set out measures to encourage people to fish in the outer areas of the fiords where the fishery is more productive.”

The proposal also aligns with the guardians’ philosophy of ‘fishing for a feed’, not the freezer.

“This is something Fisheries New Zealand also encourages – a daily catch limit is not a target, and we all want to ensure there are plenty of fish in the water for future generations to enjoy.”

“There is no other place like Fiordland… with mountain ranges, lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, its marine area is home to a number of fish species that are popular amongst fishers. We all have a shared responsibility to care for this national taonga,” Allen said.

The proposed changes include: introducing boundary lines that set the areas for differential limits for certain finfish and shellfish to protect fish stocks in the fiord entrances and encourage fishing effort on the productive outer coast zone; changing the finfish, rock lobster, and shellfish daily limits to encourage people to take only what they need; and temporarily closing hāpuku/bass/groper and scallop fisheries in the internal waters of Fiordland to enable stocks to rebuild.

Allen said feedback from any interested people or groups would be welcome. 

Watch the Fiordland Marine Guardians talk about the importance of this consultation here

To submit online feedback, learn more here. Review of recreational fishing measures – Fiordland Marine Area

Following consultation, Fisheries New Zealand will discuss the feedback received with the Fiordland Marine Guardians and provide advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries.

For a hard copy of the consultation document email: [email protected]