Recreational fishers could resume catching blue cod from the Marlborough Sounds from next year.The Ministry of Fisheries banned recreational catches of blue cod in October 2008 to address a local drop in numbers, with fishing to resume in October 2012.Fis
Recreational fishers could resume catching blue cod from the Marlborough Sounds from next year.
The Ministry of Fisheries banned recreational catches of blue cod in October 2008 to address a local drop in numbers, with fishing to resume in October 2012.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley today said he wanted to see recreational catches resume earlier.
"I support lifting or relaxing the closure early so we can start fishing for blue cod again in a way we know is sustainable."
Mr Heatley last year asked the Marlborough Sounds Blue Cod Management Group to develop a sustainable management plan for the area.
The group's public consultation document, released today, proposes reopening the Sounds to seasonal blue cod fishing from April 1 to August 31 next year, and from February 1 to August 31 in subsequent years.
It proposes a maximum daily bag limit of two blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds and Challenger East areas, with a maximum daily boat limit of 10 blue cod.
Fishers staying overnight would be allowed two bags a day.
Blue cod would have to be between 33cm and 45cm in the Marlborough Sounds, and larger than 33cm in the Challenger East area.
The group also recommended extending the Marlborough Sounds fishing area using district council coastal boundaries, and introducing a no-take zone around Maud Island.
Fishers would not be allowed more than two hooks per line while fishing for any species in the proposed extended area.
The group also proposed the introduction of an amateur blue cod fishing permit -- a recommendation at odds with the Government's policy against requiring licences for recreational saltwater fishing.
Mr Heatley said developing the plan had not been an easy process.
"Fishing in the Marlborough Sounds is an activity many people are passionate about and there is a wide range of views within the community."
The proposals follow a study which profiled the types of people who fished in the Sounds, where they stayed, the fishing methods they used, the fish they were trying to catch and how successful they were -- the first of its type in New Zealand.
Public submissions on the plan close on October 4.
"Once the consultation process finishes I will consider public submissions, advice from fishery managers and the latest scientific research before making a final decision on management measures for the fishery," Mr Heatley said.
