13 July 2012

Recreational scallop season opening for Central and South East Areas

On Sunday 15 July 2012 the recreational scallop season will officially open in the Central and South East Fishery Areas.

The minimum legal size of scallops in both Central and South East areas is 100 millimetres measured across the widest part of the shell. It is important for each fisher to count and measure their scallops.

The legal bag limit for scallops is twenty per fisher per day. In addition, divers are entitled to take an amount equivalent to an extra daily bag for each of up to two safety people on board a boat — provided they are acting as safety people for the divers.

The scallop season in these areas closes on 14 February 2013. The closure allows scallops to spawn without being disturbed.

If you see people taking more than their fair share, you should report them by calling 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224).

For further information about recreational fishing limits visit http://www.fish.govt.nz

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