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LegaSea newsletter #143 – Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing

March 13, 2024 It’s been 24 years since the establishment of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and 9 years since the Sea Change programme was initiated to restore the Park. In that time tens of thousands of hours from volunteers, contractors and employees of a myriad of organisations have been invested into developing a pathway to restored abundance ... Read more.

Baitfish matter too!

March 10, 2024 Marine ecosystems are delicate. When something is out of balance it impacts a variety of species. It can be likened to a domino effect. It’s about who eats who. Baitfish including Blue and Jack mackerels are a perfect example. It’s incredible that such a small fish can influence the way an ecosystem functions. Yet it’s ... Read more.

A thriving fishery benefits local economies

February 9, 2024 Our oceans serve a much greater purpose than just being a source of kai moana. The value of spending time with whanau fishing off your local wharf or on Grandad’s dinghy is priceless. Exchanging stories at the end of a long day is what makes lasting memories. What might go unnoticed is the contribution such ... Read more.

The stench of a rotting quota system

February 2, 2024 New Zealand’s fisheries management system is so corrupted some commercial fishers are earning less than $4 per kilo for whole fish retailing at $60 for skinned and boned fillets. Our Quota Management System is so rotten that small-scale fishers doing the right thing in New Zealand are becoming an endangered species. Reform of the system ... Read more.

LegaSea newsletter #142: Back into it

February 1, 2024 January is always a crazily busy time for the Fisheries Management crew at LegaSea and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. Twice a year, in April and October, our team dives into fish stock reviews. The April round kicks off in December, with submission deadlines looming in early February so the Minister can make decisions ... Read more.

LegaSea newsletter #141: The Year That Was 2023

January 24, 2024 As we reel in 2023, it’s a time to celebrate and reflect on all that we have achieved, thanks to your support. Together we have taken a stand against bottom trawling, the Industry Transformation Plan, the over allocation of our fish and even created chopping boards made out of trawl nets. Saying it was an ... Read more.

Collapse of marine ecosystems

December 29, 2023 It is difficult to manage wild resources such as fish. Fish are constantly on the move. It’s easy to ignore what’s happening beneath the surface. But when management fails, us Kiwis bear the brunt of it. Mismanagement means fewer fish and a less productive marine environment. Fish belong to the people, not just those who ... Read more.

The ongoing fight for abundant fisheries

December 21, 2023 Bottom trawling, marine protected areas (MPAs), and coastal plans have been hot topics for the last months of 2023. While our fisheries experts at the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council were working hard on developing comprehensive submissions in response to the various proposals, our LegaSea team was out there making sure your voice was heard. ... Read more.

Respecting rāhui has many benefits

December 20, 2023 As people who use the ocean for fishing, diving and swimming it is important that we show respect back to our waters, recognising that sustainable practices today can contribute to a bountiful harvest tomorrow. Respect comes in many forms such as avoiding damage to the environment caused by destructive fishing methods or harvesting only the ... Read more.