Commercial harvest decisions for Nelson Scallops

Commercial harvest decisions for Nelson Scallops

The commercial participants in the Southern Scallop Fishery have finalised how they wish to manage their fishing this year.

The decisions were made following consultation with other users and stakeholders in the fishery including customary and recreational fishing representatives, environmental groups, other fishing interests and members of the public who attended a meeting.

Arrangements agreed for commercial scalloping in the 2006/07 season include;
No commercial scallop fishing in;
Tasman Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, Richmond Bay (in Pelorus Sound), Pig Bay (in Port Gore) and approximately 2/3rds of Golden Bay
An 8 fishing day season in Ketu Bay (Pelorus Sound)
A commercial catch limit for the Marlborough Sounds of 106 Tonnes of scallop meat
Retiring (shelving) 578½ tonnes of catching rights for the year
No commercial fishing before 15th August 2006

“The arrangements for this year reflect the normal rotational fishing patterns in Golden Bays and relatively low numbers of scallops available Tasman Bay. Specific areas have also been put aside to provide for recreational access to good fishing throughout the season.” said Russell Mincher, Chief Executive of the Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company.

“We would prefer to leave the scallops in Tasman Bay unharvested to spawn new generations of scallops for fishing. Recreational fishers should do well off Tarakohe in Golden Bay, in Croisilles Harbour and in most traditional areas of the Marlborough Sounds.” he said.

Mr. Mincher said that the total commercial harvest is expected to be pretty low this year but prospects for the future are much brighter with very high numbers of juvenile scallops growing in Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds. Scallop productivity in Tasman Bay in particular has been down over the past 5 or so years when poor scallop condition and slow growth have been observed despite Challenger’s efforts to enhance the fishery and manage commercial harvest conservatively.

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