A large fishing reserve is being implemented in the Bay of Plenty. Inside the new Motiti reserve all recreational fishing, spear fishing, scallop dredging and diving will be banned.

The no-take area includes Astrolabe reef, Brewis Shoal, Okaparu reef, Schooner Rock, Tokoroa Shoal, Plate Island and other substantial areas around these reefs and Motiti Island.

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THIS WILL BE A NO-TAKE AREA FOR EVERYONE, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS, FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 YEARS.
The new reserves represent over 50% of the safely accessible reef structures for local recreational and charter anglers exiting Tauranga and Maketu.

No consultation was undertaken with recreational fishers, divers and spear fishermen as well as many other interested stakeholders. No robust scientific data was provided to support the proposal. No consideration has been given to other methods to reduce an perceived pressure on the area in question. The Fisheries Act, containing the quota management system is a more appropriate tool to manage this fishery. The Resource Management Act was never intended to control a fishery. No allowance has been made for the major impact that the deflected fishing pressure will have on adjacent areas, this will be significant.

Together we can make a difference! We need to show the New Zealand Government and BOP Regional Council that this is NOT the correct solution.