New fisheries regulations to rebuild fish stocks within the East Otago Taiāpure, including banning pāua gathering, will take effect next month.

From 12 December it will be an offence to take or possess pāua within the taiāpure. Changes to the regulations also prohibit the use of set-nets, cutting attached kelp, and the filleting of fish at sea in this area.

The Ministry for Primary Industries manager of inshore fisheries, Andrew Bell, says the changes were recommended by the East Otago Taiāpure management committee to improve fisheries within the taiāpure.

For more information see the Fisheries New Zealand website.