Latest updates


Crayfish management under the spotlight

January 30, 2015 Crayfish are a prized catch and important ecologically so it is critical we protect the fishery from over-exploitation. The Ministry for Primary Industries has just issued proposals for the future management of several fisheries, including the northern crayfish stock called CRA1. LegaSea again objects short consultation timeframes, this time we only have 18 working days […]

Valuing recreational fishing

January 29, 2015 One of LegaSea’s 5 Principles is to value recreational fishing. Our fishing supports a vast array of businesses, from charter boat operations, boat builders, tackle dealers, bait and ice suppliers and the assortment of fishing media. Many coastal communities rely on the summer influx of tourists, including fishing families, to maintain their accommodation, fuel and […]

Gut hooked fish are a dying waste

January 16, 2015 There has been widespread discussion about the number of small snapper being caught in close off the northeast coast and whether the new 30cm minimum size limit is good for the fishery. There is some suggestion the size needs to return to 27cm, or have no minimum and land everything. There are downsides to that […]

5 Principles to rebuild our fisheries

January 10, 2015 After a hard-out year many of us look forward to time on the water catching a fish, sharing that catch with family and friends, and importantly, enjoying the experience with our kids. To achieve success we need fish in the water. LegaSea has developed 5 Principles to help rebuild our depleted fisheries. If you want […]

Frequently asked questions about fisheries

December 29, 2014 As the spotlight turns on fisheries and marine protection issues people are questioning current management practices and seeking solutions. LegaSea has summarised a few snapper FAQs. Are trawlers allowed in the Hauraki Gulf? Trawling and Danish seining are banned from the inner Hauraki Gulf, from around the bottom end of Kawau Island across to the […]

A boost to rebuild important fisheries and habitats

December 5, 2014 Strategies to rebuild marine ecosystems and local fisheries around the northeast coast, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay were confirmed during a recent meeting held at the Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club. Delegates to this year’s New Zealand Sport Fishing Council Annual General Meeting endorsed three policies. Each policy outlines a range of measures designed to rebuild […]

Recreational fishing not part of quota system

November 10, 2014 A popular misconception is that all fishing is managed via quota and the Quota Management System. Truth is, quota is used to manage commercial fishing. Recreational fishing is managed outside the QMS, and daily bag and minimum size limits are used to control each individual’s catch. LegaSea is committed to ensuring public fishing remains free […]

Surprising outcome from Tip the Scales campaign

November 10, 2014 This year we set out to promote the need for good quality fisheries policy from all political parties. By election day more than 17,000 people had registered support for LegaSea’s Tip the Scales campaign. If you were one of those people, thank you. It was your support for the 5 principles that influenced the political […]

Differing perspectives on allowances

November 1, 2014 One of the major talking points during the snapper campaign in 2013 was the assertion that recreational catch had increased exponentially and that effort needed to be reined in through bag limit reductions. Fact is, management of Snapper 1 had not been reviewed for 16 years and the recreational allowance made in 1997 did not […]

Let’s Tip the Scales #2

September 9, 2014 Last year’s snapper debate proved that fisheries management is indeed political and that the outcome of decisions can be heavily influenced by how many of us stand up for ourselves. This year we have a prime opportunity to advocate for improved fisheries management. That chance is available at the ballot box on September 20th. Make your […]