Changes to the Paua bag and accumulation limit

The recreational limit of paua is changing in Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson to ensure the fishery remains sustainable after the impacts of the Kaikoura earthquakes in 2016.

The daily bag limit for paua is being reduced from ten to five, and the accumulation limit from 20 paua or 2.5kg of minced meat, to 10 paua or 1.25kg of minced meat. This applies to both black foot and yellow foot paua. These changes take effect on the 12 December 2019 in the Kaikoura/Canterbury (PAU3) and Nelson/ Marlborough (PAU7) fisheries.

The bag and accumulation limit is the maximum amount of paua any one person can have in their possession at any given time if they have been fishing over more than one day, says Director of Fisheries Management, Stuart Anderson.

“The earthquakes caused an uplift of coastline in both PAU3 and PAU7 which had a significant impact on paua populations.

“This was a unique event, and we need to be cautious to ensure the long term sustainability of the resource. The change to har-

For more than 25 years members of Motueka Art Group have exhibited their work during an annual summer exhibition and this year will be no exception.

The only change being the location of their exhibition from Chanel Arts Centre to the more central location of St Thomas’ Church auditorium.

“We’ve moved to make it more accessible to locals,” says the Group’s president Marian Painter.

Brent Maru will officially launch the exhi- bition on Monday, 6 January at 7pm and all are invited. vest levels has been informed by the best available science and consultation with the local community, during which there was strong support for a reduction.”

Open from 6-18 January, from 10am5pm daily, including weekends, the artworks will be for sale with Eftpos on-site.

Of the 38 members, 24 will be exhibiting six pieces of their work, including artists who exhibit nationally, and some first-time exhibitors.

“A full range of styles and interests will be on display,” says Marian.

A raffle will also be held for a painting by artist Sara Macready.

The total allowable commercial catch (TACC) limits were decreased in 2016/2017 in both PAU3 and PAU7 by 50%. The commercial industry in PAU7 has voluntarily shelved a further 10% of the TACC to minimise the impacts of catch displaced from the closed area affected by the earthquakes.

“The commercial and recreational catch changes help ensure that everyone plays their part in helping to maintain the sustainability of the fisheries,” says Stuart.

The shellfish and seaweed closure is still in place along the Kaikoura and southern Marlborough coast. There is still research underway looking into the impacts of the earthquake uplift and it is important the area is given time to recover say Fisheries NZ.

Brochures, including information about the new bag and accumulation limit, are available. Further information can be found on the Fisheries NZ website.