Articles

Committed guardians of Marlborough

August 12, 2019 The mere mention of fishing in the Marlborough Sounds incites a range of responses, from happy memories to deep concern for the environment. These reactions are a reflection of how passionate people are about the Sounds. That passion was evident at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association held in Blenheim. […]

No more small dead fish

August 6, 2019 Dining at a food court in the city guarantees a range of flavours and types of food to suit your appetite. On the dark side, at some of these eateries there are small fish legally available for sale. Often these fish are surrounded by a tasty sauce and gleefully consumed by hungry customers with little […]

Changes to charter boat rules

July 24, 2019 Fisheries New Zealand has released management proposals that will affect 13 inshore finfish and shellfish stocks, and seven deepwater stocks. If changes are approved, they will apply from October this year. FNZ information is available online. Changes to the reporting regime for charter boat operators are also proposed. Since 2010 charter vessels have been required […]

Tarakihi review – take time out

July 19, 2019 Tarakihi management is under review and we need you to get stuck in and support the Minister to make a precautionary decision aimed at rebuilding depleted stocks on the east coast between Otago and Northland. Last year over 9000 of us signed LegaSea’s Time Out for Tarakihi petition calling for the Minister to cut commercial […]

The madness of trying to manage fisheries with property rights

July 18, 2019 The Quota Management System has short-changed fish, mana whenua and the public since it was established in 1986. The system was set up with the quota owners having to pay resource rentals. This only lasted a few years. For the past 30 years the commercial fishing industry has not paid for the use of these […]

Low impact fisheries in protected areas

July 15, 2019 Anyone fishing from shore knows that it’s a tough gig. So many elements such as the tide, wind, and swell have to be right before you even get your line wet. As fish stocks decline so do your chances of success. Some days it comes down to a choice between buying burley to increase your […]

LegaSea grateful for boat show success

June 27, 2019 “One of the best ever” is how Sam Woolford, LegaSea Project Leader, describes the recent Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland. Thanks to the generosity and support of show organisers LegaSea was at the 4-day event in May signing up new LegaSea Legends, acknowledging existing supporters, and spending time with our much valued Partners. […]

No to removing minimum fish sizes

June 15, 2019 Allowing commercial fishers to land fish of any size is not good fishers management. That was the response from recreational fishers when Fisheries New Zealand suggested removing the minimum size limits for commercially caught fish such as snapper, tarakihi, trevally and flounder. In the Bay of Plenty some of these species are well below sustainable […]

Blue cod proposals unfairly target amateurs

June 3, 2019 When it comes to blue cod fishing most of the rule changes over the past 10 years have applied to recreational fishing. These changes have had major impacts on the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of people and businesses in some areas of the South Island. So, it’s bizarre that after a decade of changes […]

Lloyd Hanson – a real fishing and hunting Kiwi bloke

May 30, 2019 Tribute by Tony Orman The recent passing of Lloyd Hanson will be felt far and wide. An estimated 500 people attended his funeral in Blenheim, reflecting his influence in many outdoor related causes and the high esteem of the man. Lloyd loved being in the great outdoors, whether it was saltwater or trout fishing, or […]