Government cracks down on rockpool vandals

The New Zealand Government will implement new fishing restrictions this summer to curb the overharvesting of marine life from rockpools along the Auckland and Coromandel coastlines. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft announced the measures, citing concerns that excessive removal of species such as cat’s eyes, mussels, and limpets is damaging fragile intertidal ecosystems. The rules aim to address exploitation by a minority while preserving traditional recreational fishing opportunities for future generations.

Under the changes, a 2-metre depth limit will define the intertidal zone where harvesting is restricted, covering areas accessible at low tide. Exceptions will allow sustainable take of species like rock lobster and squid, while other shellfish will face a daily limit of 10 outside the intertidal zone to prevent overharvesting shifting to deeper waters. The restrictions will remain in place until formally revoked, with ongoing monitoring to assess their effectiveness and potential adjustments.

To enforce the new rules, the Government is establishing an infringement regime allowing Fishery Officers to issue instant fines for violations. While discretion will be exercised for minor cases, such as children exploring rockpools, deliberate and excessive harvesting will face penalties. The move follows public consultation where the majority of submitters supported stricter measures to protect marine life.

The restrictions build on existing site-specific shellfish closures, including earlier measures introduced in the northern Hauraki Gulf to relieve pressure on intertidal fisheries and rockpools. Full details of the new rules are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website. The Government emphasises the need to balance recreational access with long-term sustainability of coastal ecosystems.