Thread: Scallops top of the south season looking grim

Well folks ..I made a submission , a short season oct-dec( when the fish are in peak condition), limit of 5 per fisher 40 per boat. So we can get a feed and if it effects the bio mass they can close it again next year and to their credit MPI are taking what we are saying onboard but family ....no deliciousness this season!

Dear Stakeholder



The Minister of Fisheries, the Hon Stuart Nash, has decided to temporarily close the Southern Scallop fishery (SCA 7), including Port Underwood, from 15th July 2018.

While recent surveys have shown scallop numbers in the area are starting to increase, they still remain low. The closure provides a further opportunity for the scallop beds to recover to allow a sustainable fishery in the future.

The majority of submissions received during the consultation process agreed with a further period of closure. Submitters also agreed that when the fisheries re-open, significant changes will be needed to the fisheries management settings.

Fisheries New Zealand acknowledges iwi, community and stakeholder support over the last few years while the fishery has been closed, and recognises the closure continues to impact all who have an interest in the fishery.

Fisheries New Zealand is establishing a multisector group to work on an agreed view of when the number of scallops have increased sufficiently to allow harvesting, and the rules that will be necessary to ensure that any harvest is sustainable.

Results of new scientific research into the fishery will be available later in the year, and this information will be used to guide future management of the scallop fishery.

For more information about the closure and updates on the fishery see the Fisheries New Zealand website: Temporary closure of the Southern Scallop (SCA 7) Fishery | MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries. A New Zealand Government Department.



Stuart Anderson

Director Fisheries Management