Hon Jim Anderton

Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity
Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Forestry
Associate Minister of Health
Associate Minister for Tertiary Education

7 November 2008 Media Statement

Kaipara Harbour scallops given another year to rebuild

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton today announced a further temporary closure to the scallop fishery in the Kaipara Harbour from 28 November 2008 until 27 November 2009.

Jim Anderton said this closure for another year would help rebuild the fishery.

This will be the third closure of the Kaipara Harbour scallop fishery since 2005.

The request for a further closure was made by Te Uri o Hau, Ngäti Whätua and the Kaipara Harbour Sustainable Fisheries Management Study Group as they consider that scallops in the Harbour have not recovered sufficiently following the last closure.

"I would like to acknowledge the hard work that the local hapu, iwi and community groups are putting into managing the Kaipara Harbour fisheries" he said.

With commercial scallop fishing already excluded the Kaipara Harbour will be closed to all scallop fishing during this period.

"The Kaipara Harbour is an important customary and recreational fishery that we need to make sure is around in years to come. I encourage everyone with an interest in the Kaipara Harbour scallop fishery to continue working with the Ministry to manage this important fishery into the future."

More information on temporary closures is available on the Ministry of Fisheries website www.fish.govt.nz

ENDS

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