Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on proposed changes to commercial fishing sustainability measures for the Cape Brett to Mimiwhangata area on the eastern Northland coastline.

Feedback is sought from tangata whenua, stakeholders, and the public on the 2 proposed options for the Cape Brett to Mimiwhangata area to protect the marine environment:

• Option 1 – Prohibit commercial bottom trawling and Danish seining on the rocky reefs and surrounding soft sediments. This would minimise the risk of resuspended sediment settling on sensitive species and affecting their health.
• Option 2 – Prohibit commercial bottom trawling and Danish seining on the rocky reefs. This would have less impact on commercial fishers as they would retain the ability to fish on the soft sediments.

The consultation closes at 5 PM on the 18^th of October 2022.

For more information see the Fisheries New Zealand website.

Additional Resources

MPI Discussion Document - Review of Commercial Fishing Sustainability Measures for the Cape Brett to Mimiwhangata Area, Northland

MPI Consultation Document - Map of Proposed Bottom Trawling and Danish Seining Prohibition Areas for Each Option