Heading north this season?
If you’re planning a trip up the coast, be aware that new marine protection rules are now in place in Mimiwhangata and Rakaumangamanga (Cape Brett). You can no longer take marine life from the areas shown in the map below.
These protections aim to help restore the health of these important coastal ecosystems, which have been badly affected by fishing.
There are now two no-take zones:
· Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) to Opourua (Oke Bay) in the Bay of Islands (Rakaumangamanga Rāhui Tapu)
· Around the Mimiwhangata peninsula (Mimiwhangata Rāhui Tapu)
In a third area, around Cape Brett, commercial bulk harvesting such as trawling and seining is now prohibited to a depth of 100 metres (Ngā Au o Morunga Mai Rakaumangamanga Protection Area).
These rules don’t affect daily kina harvest limits or non-commercial Māori customary fishing rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but a permit is required.
Exotic caulerpa update
Changes to the exotic caulerpa Controlled Area Notices came into effect on 1 October. New guidance is being developed, but for now you can find the latest information and movement rules on the MPI website.
What’s happening in the Hauraki Gulf
The Government has introduced 19 new protection areas in the Hauraki Gulf.
The protection consists of:
· Two marine reserves; extending from the existing reserves Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and Cape Rodney – Okakari Point (Goat Island)
· Twelve high protection areas – these areas protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems. They also provide for the customary practices of tangata whenua
· Five seafloor protection areas – these areas protect seafloor habitats. But they still allow for activities that do not damage them, such as non-bottom contacting fishing
The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act will come into force on 29 October 2025. From this date, these areas will be protected. To learn more about the new protections and rules, please check the Department of Conservation website.
Hull checks underway
Marine biosecurity hull surveillance operations are getting underway across the Auckland region this month. These checks help prevent the spread of marine pests – a timely reminder to make sure your hull is clean and maintained before summer cruising begins. For the latest information on marine biosecurity, please visit the Clean Below? Good to go website.