Differences Between Our Regulations and What is Happening Around the World
Every country with a fishing industry knows that it is important to follow the rules specific to their place in the world. Here, in New Zealand, we are obligated to follow the rules relating to our specific regions as not all shores are the same. Fishing species, quantity and Size limits dictate what we can and cannot trap, which makes sense for the sustainability of our surrounding waters. In New Zealand, there is a wealth of resources to ensure that the environment is protected and the number one place to go is the MPI website which you can access here - https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/
The Government website is full of all the information needed in order to fish stress-free from the beaches to the boat. Fisheries New Zealand works to ensure that fisheries resources are managed in a way that provides the greatest overall benefit to New Zealanders. They focus on ensuring the sustainability of New Zealand’s wild fish stocks, aquaculture, and the wider aquatic environment.
Fishing Rules, Catch Limit, Fish Stocks and all kinds of information relating to popular fishing species is available on the Ministries website. As we are located in Auckland, some of the information will be specific to this region but it is important, that if you are elsewhere, that you take a look at the laws and regulations in your specific area. There are 7 distinct areas and seperate rules for freshwater fish as fishing in lakes, streams and rivers requires a license. If you take a look at the government website, you will see that there are specific rules for fish and shellfish such as rock lobster (crayfish).
The New Zealand fisheries sector is highly efficient and export helps sustain local economy. But from the commercial fisherman to recreational, each has a role to play in order to maintain the balance of nature and consumation. Fishing rules in New Zealand are contactly changing and that is why it is important to keep up to date with local rules before you go out and get your next catch. For example, there have been immediate changes to the finfish bag limits as of May 2022 spurned on by the recent case in the Coromandel where many pink maomao were taken by a fisher in a single day—but no punishment was dished out as it was technically legal. This is a prime example how we are using lcoal experiences to learn and push forward in order to keep fish stocks plentiful.
Following widespread community concern about the sustainability of wild fish populations, new measures to limit the amount of fish that can be taken from our coasts are soon to be introduced.
- All finfish, including those with individual species limits, are now part of the combined daily bag limit (except specified baitfish species and freshwater eels).
- Specified baitfish species are part of a new daily limit of 50 combined per person, per day (additional to the combined daily bag limit for finfish).
- New infringement offences and penalties have been set for southern bluefin tuna in line with what exists for other finfish species.
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To get specifics and find out more - CLICK HERE
Why is it important to keep to the rules?
There are many reasons for fishing regulations. They are intended to help fish populations grow and thrive. Biologists study bodies of water to check on fish numbers and the health of fish populations. If there is a problem with a fish stock, regulations are created to help keep the fish population healthy. Everyone has heard of sustainability and we have to be able to maintain a wealthy stock of resources for generations to come. There is a code of conduct for all anglers and it is necessary to consider the rights of all in order to respect, not only the surrounding shores, or freshwater reserves but each other.
Do I need a License? Not for all areas, NO.
But when fishing for sports fish in New Zealand, you must carry a valid New Zealand Sports Fishing Licence (or be named on a family licence with the primary licence holder present). All Fish and Game fishing licences can be used anywhere in New Zealand except the Taupo area, which is administered by the Department of Conservation. For more information on the regulations for Taupo, visit DOC’s website www.doc.govt.nz
As mentioned on the govt website that if you buy a Local Area Licence you can only fish in the one region you have nominated—so be sure to check out the boundaries. Please note, fishing licences are non-refundable.
Check out more about licenses and rules HERE
Even as we in New Zealand have rules specific to each region, the world and individual countries have their own responsibilities. There are some great articles from around the world that you might find of interest Click below to find out MORE
Whether you are here in New Zealand or abroad, take care of the environment around you in order to create a sustainable future for generations to come! We live in a big, beautiful world and we want to keep it that way! So go out there and enjoy what nature has given us - be mindful of the environment and our fellow ocean dwellers. Happy fishing! :)
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