People across the Coromandel are being urged to have their say on proposed new rules aimed at protecting shellfish and other marine life along the region’s coastline.
The Government has opened public consultation on a range of options to tighten controls on harvesting in intertidal areas across both Auckland and the Coromandel, including possible area closures and new limits on shellfish gathering.
The proposals come as enforcement ramps up following recent restrictions in the Hauraki Gulf, where a two-year ban on collecting marine life from rockpools and intertidal zones came into force in March.
The rules make it illegal to take seaweed, shellfish or other rockpool species — including sponges, starfish, sea anemones and sea cucumbers — from affected areas. Fishery officers have increased patrols, with breaches carrying fines of up to $100,000 and the potential seizure of vehicles and equipment.
Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones said the measures are part of a broader push to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
“Fisheries officials have prepared proposals for better intertidal species management, including options for area closures and additional restrictions,” he said.
The review follows growing concern from tangata whenua and coastal communities about pressure on shellfish beds, particularly in easily accessible areas popular with recreational gatherers.
Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft said“ Tangata whenua and local communities continue to express concerns about the quantity and types of shellfish and other marine life being taken from shore-based harvesters throughout Auckland and Coromandel.”
“Auckland’s coastline is close to a large urban population, making kaimoana in the intertidal zone vulnerable to over-harvesting,” she said.
She said feedback from communities, including in the Coromandel, had driven officials to prioritise stronger protections, with some shellfish populations struggling to recover.
Auckland Minister Simon Watts said the decline in shellfish beds highlights the urgency of action.
“In many places, shellfish beds aren’t recovering, and there is a lot at stake for the future of this resource,” he said.
Authorities say the goal is to strike a balance between protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring continued public access to coastal resources.
Submissions on the proposed changes are now open through the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
