Fisheries New Zealand is seeking public feedback on a proposal to change recreational fishing rules within the Fiordland Marine Area.

The proposal has been developed by the Fiordland Marine Guardians to support the sustainability of fisheries resources in FMA.

It aligns with the Guardians' philosophy of 'fishing for a feed', not the freezer.

Work on the proposal began in 2019, when several fishers and charter boat operators raised concerns about fish stocks within Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area.

Of particular worry was the health of key fish stocks within the fiords, inside the habitat lines, which have been solely an amateur/recreational fishery since 2005.

"As a group with extensive first-hand experience of the area, we shared their concerns", says Dr Rebecca McLeod, Fiordland Marine Guardian's Chair.

"Multiple species targeted by recreational fishers, including blue cod/rāwaru, groper/hāpuku, pāua, and scallops, are considerably depleted in the Internal Waters of the fiords.

"There is clear evidence of increasing fishing pressure over time, and that trend is forecast to continue."

Dr McLeod says the 2005 regulations have seen the concentration of fishing effort in the entrances of many fiords, seaward of the habitat lines.

"There are clear signs that the current fishing pressure inside the fiords is unsustainable, and many key fish stocks require rebuilding."

At a high level 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 ‘Fish for a Feed’ by taking only what they need.
• Temporarily closing hāpuku/bass/groper and scallop fisheries in the internal waters of Fiordland to enable stocks to rebuild.

Public consultation, which runs until Friday, September 30, focuses solely on changes to amateur fishing rules and regulations.

It marks a key milestone for the Fiordland Marine Guardians following three years of engagement with Fiordland's fishing charter operators and the fishing community.

Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku are represented on the Fiordland Marine Guardians and have helped shape the proposed amendments.

"We are the first to admit that our proposal is not perfect," Dr McLeod says.

"The problem we need to solve is complex, and we all need to be part of delivering a workable solution for the good of this spectacular corner of the planet."

Management of recreational fisheries in Aotearoa New Zealand has been challenged by a lack of robust catch data.

The Fiordland Marine Guardians are optimistic, however, that a workable solution for Fiordland is within reach.

"Fish Mainland, a peak body representing a large number of recreational fishers in the South Island, has developed a self-reporting app in conjunction with Fisheries New Zealand.

"Crucially, Fiordland's fishing community has expressed a strong willingness to use it. We will continue to advocate for these initiatives and develop a more holistic way of managing the entire fishery in the years ahead", says Dr McLeod.

Fisheries New Zealand’s Inshore Manager South, Allen Frazer, says it is important that FNZ gets feedback from the wider fishing community.

"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."

Frazer says FNZ supports the philosophy of ‘fishing for a feed', not the freezer.

"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."

A series of community drop-in sessions will be held in Dunedin, Invercargill, Cromwell, Gore and Te Anau from 29 August to 2 September. The full proposal and information on how to make a submission can be found online at mpi.govt.nz

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 his consideration.

Submit feedback on the proposal here: Review of recreational fishing measures – Fiordland Marine Area