WELLINGTON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will close most of Northland's east coast to spiny rock lobster fishing to help rebuild depleted stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones said Friday.
The closure, taking effect April 1, 2026, will cover both commercial and recreational spiny rock lobster fishing and reduce recreational daily catch limits to two per person in the CRA 1 fishery, which includes Northland's west coast, Jones said.
"Rock lobsters play an important role in the marine ecosystem by helping keep kina numbers in check," he said, noting the changes will help restore balance by increasing the number and size of spiny rock lobsters in the fishery.
Most commercial spiny rock lobster fishing off Northland's east coast has already halted under a voluntary industry closure, but the minister said further measures were needed to give the fishery "the best opportunity for recovery."
Rock lobsters are vital for controlling kina, whose unchecked numbers can damage reef ecosystems. The measures follow public consultation that drew more than 600 submissions.
A new nationwide daily catch limit of three packhorse lobsters per person will also apply to prevent fishing pressure shifting to that species. ■
