Join the movement to restore our coastal fisheries

LegaSea is a non profit organisation dedicated to restoring the abundance, biodiversity and health of New Zealand’s marine environment. 

It’s time to fight for our fish. The Fisheries Amendment Bill has landed in Parliament. Click here to make your submission.

Kill the Fisheries Reform Bill!

Take a stand now!

Despite widespread public outrage, the coalition government is proceeding with the most anti-social changes to fisheries legislation in 30 years. This will impact generations to come.

The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones has presented the Fisheries Amendment Bill to Parliament and it’s now one step closer to becoming legislation. 

The Bill is rotten, and Kiwis want it scrapped.

Take a stand. Kill the Bill. Click here to make a submission.

For more information on the Bill, click here.

Become a Works Partner

Right now we’re in the fight of our life as we battle against the Fisheries Amendment Bill which threatens the future of our fisheries.

We’re calling on businesses to step up as LegaSea Works Partners. For $500 a year, your workplace can put its name behind the fight for healthier fisheries, less destructive fishing and fairer access for everyday Kiwis.

We can’t fight this without your help.

Become a Works Partner now!

Latest news

See all

What’s in the Bill? Removing environmental safeguards
April 15, 2026

Section 13 – Removing environmental considerations when setting catch limits.  Removes environmental safeguards, allowing the Minister to set catch limits without considering the effect of fishing on the wider marine…

Read more >

MEDIA RELEASE: Government ignoring public outcry on Fisheries Reforms

Why is the government ignoring high profile Kiwis and strong public sentiment opposing its controversial fisheries reforms? A groundswell of social media commentary, led by fishing advocate Matt Watson, marathon…

Read more >

Let’s Kill the Bill

Article originally published in Fishing in Godzone magazine, April 2026. The Coalition government has made a serious mistake in backing the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries’ most sweeping changes to…

Read more >

Rescue Fish

A pathway to abundance

Rescue Fish encapsulates everything that LegaSea stands for. A holistic solution to remedy depleted fish stocks and address environmental damage.

Together we can deliver restored abundance and diversity; greater food security; jobs and economic well-being.

Go to the Rescue Fish website to find out more.

Our programmes

The Kai Ika project utilises fish heads, frames and offal which were previously going to waste.  Since 2016 close to 600,000 kilos of fish parts have been diverted from landfill and repurposed for consumption or organic use.

Learn more


FishCare – The school of best practice is an educational initiative to help us reduce our collective impact on the marine environment, while ensuring we maximise the benefits of our fishing effort and catch.

Learn more

Advocacy

The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council supports LegaSea and participates in various fisheries management and marine protection processes, to make your voice heard. LegaSea Legend and public donations make a valuable contribution to this vital work.

Please view our recent submissions below:

Marlin regulation review, Nov 2025
Commercial fishing regulation review, Nov 2025
Northeast coast crayfish review, Sept 2025

View all submissions here and the 2025 Fisheries management annual report can be found here.

About Us

LegaSea is a not for profit organisation established by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council in 2012.

Together with your help we have attended more than 900 events, 368 research and planning meetings, funded 80 submissions, created the FishCare education programe, dedicated 715 hours to the Sea Change marine spatial planning process, conducted the largest ever survey of public views on rock lobster management in New Zealand and performed 2 surveys of recreational fishing practices.

What is LegaSea? | Financials | Our people

 

The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council has been serving the interests of its 55 member clubs since 1957. Most of these clubs are Incorporated Societies and between them there are 37,000 affiliated members nationwide.

Find out more

Support us

LegaSea is a group of committed people working together to restore abundance. Our team is a mix of professionals and volunteers. LegaSea is supported by a host of corporate partners and the generosity of thousands of people who care about our marine environment. There is power in numbers, your contribution will make a difference. The tide is turning.

Become a Legend

Starting at just $20 per month, becoming a LegaSea Legend is more than just a financial commitment, it’s a leadership role. You can inspire others to join us, to lend a hand. We are not looking for a few Legends we are looking for thousands.

 

Donate

Join the community

Keep up to date with the latest news. We publish regular articles, social media posts and media releases to keep New Zealand informed
on what’s happening with our fisheries.

 

Sign up

 

Join the discussion on our active social media pages:

Kōparepare wine

Whitehaven is a fully committed LegaSea Platinum Partner who have developed a range of high-quality wines to support LegaSea. They donate $2.50 for every bottle sold through their website – $30 per case!

Support LegaSea by drinking Kōparepare wines by Whitehaven.

Barkers X LegaSea

Buy some clothing from the
outstanding Barkers X LegaSea range, developed by Barkers to support LegaSea.

 

Quick search

Our partners

Our Partners, both Platinum and Gold are our lifeblood. They help LegaSea with funding and materials. Their support motivates the team and demonstrates a commitment to all New Zealanders to ensure our lives are made richer through the health of our fisheries and the environment we all live in.

Our current Platinum Partners are: