Make a Submission!
Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) has begun public consultation on significant changes to the spiny red rock lobster catch settings in Crayfish 3 (CRA 3) from East Cape south to Wairoa River. The proposals include reductions to the Total Allowable Commercial Catch and allowance set aside for all other mortality caused by fishing.
Recent stock assessment models estimate the fishery is below a level that can provide for sustainable levels of fishing and the overfishing is estimated to be occurring.
These concerns are not new. In 2023–24, concerns were raised that the fishery was under pressure following Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, which caused widespread damage to coastal ecosystems and crayfish abundance.
In 2024, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries reviewed the catch settings and agreed to reduce the TACC 20% and cut the recreational daily bag limit by 50%, from 6 to 3 per person.
This review provides an important opportunity to reduce catch limits, address long-standing management issues, and rebuild crayfish populations to levels that support ecosystem resilience, cultural values, and future generations.
Submission deadline is 5pm on 28 January 2026.
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