Whangārei Harbour scallop fishing reopening proposed

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced that Fisheries New Zealand is seeking public feedback on proposals to reopen limited recreational scallop fishing in Whangārei Harbour. This follows a four-year closure of the Northland scallop fishery (SCA 1) that began in 2022 due to sustainability concerns.

A recent survey indicates that certain scallop beds within the harbour have sufficient numbers to potentially support a limited recreational harvest. These findings align with local reports and previous 2024 surveys of two primary scallop beds.

The consultation also seeks input on implementing bespoke management rules specifically for Whangārei Harbour to allow for faster regulatory adjustments as new information becomes available. The proposal does not suggest changes to the existing long-term ban on commercial scallop fishing in the area.