The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is considering an extension of the emergency closure to the take of any species of shellfish and seaweed (excluding rock lobster and scampi) for a further 9 months. The current temporary closure was put in place after the 14 November 2016 earthquake and is due to expire on 20 February 2017.

The temporary closure includes the South Island fisheries waters between Conway River to Marfells Beach area which is enclosed by a line commencing at a point on Marfells Beach at 41°43.655′S and 174°12.645′E proceeding for about 4 nautical miles in a north-north-easterly direction to a seaward point at 41°39.474′S and 174°14.876′E; then maintaining a constant distance of 4 nautical miles from the coastline at all points until reaching a seaward point at 42°38.153′S and 173°33.378′E (taking mostly a south-westerly direction along the coast); then proceeding in a west-north-westerly direction to a point on land at the Conway River at 42°36.909′S and 173°28.173′E; and then following the mean high water line back to the point of commencement.

Submissions close 31st January 2017.

For more information, or to make a submission, click here