Fishing is one of new zealand s most popular recreational activities. Find out about the new restrictions.
It s important for all fishers to act responsibly and help conserve the resource.
Recreational fishing quota nz. Commercial fisheries all over the world hit the seas in search of large hauls of fish and shellfish so much so that many of the world s ocean waters are overfished. Blue cod rules changing find out about changes to recreational fishing rules for blue cod from 1 july 2020. On 1 october 2020 new measures restricting recreational set net fishing will take effect along the west coast of the north island and the north south and east coasts of the south island.
If they want to fish beyond the catch limits and time available under the normal recreational fishing licence they must first acquire an experimental licence and then lease or buy halibut quota. This is known as individual transferable quotas itq. The rules change regularly so check the rules for your fishing area every time you head out fishing p.
British columbia s recreational halibut fishery is the best example of two way quota transfers between recreational fishers and others. Owning quota gives you the right to take the quantity of fish allowed by your share of quota for that fish stock. Many species of fish are in grave danger because of a long unregulated history and then sluggish legislation to curb overfishing.
Recreational fishing is managed outside the qms and daily bag and minimum size limits are used to control each individual s catch. In addition drift netting will be prohibited in all new zealand waters. About the quota management system.
Find the recreational fishing rules for your local area and catch. The cornerstone of new zealand fisheries management is the quota management system qms. 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.
Our focus is the sustainability of new zealand s wild fish stocks aquaculture and the wider aquatic environment now and for future generations. Recreational fishing amateur and charter fishing vessels the distribution of recreational fishing is indicated by combining data from aerial flights and boat ramp surveys from 2005 to 2012 and statutory catch and activity returns from charter vessels from 2011 to 2014. Truth is quota is used to manage commercial fishing.
Fishing may be a recreational sport for some but it s a livelihood for many others. Under the qms a yearly catch limit the total allowable catch is set for every fish stock a species of fish shellfish or seaweed from a particular area. P everyone who fishes recreationally in new zealand has a legal requirement to follow the recreational fishing rules.
Quota owners can choose not to catch the fish. Fisheries new zealand works to ensure that fisheries resources are managed to provide the greatest overall benefit to new zealanders.
