17 Nov 2017

MPI extends Kaikōura coast fishing ban

6:06 pm on 17 November 2017

The emergency closure of some fisheries along the Kaikōura coast is being extended.

Coastline south of Kaikōura.

There have been restrictions on fishing along the coast since last year's quake. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Fishing was banned along 130km of the coast soon after last November's earthquake, to help the marine environment recover.

Steve Halley from the Ministry for Primary Industries said the earthquakes had a devastating effect on the coastline and it needed more time to heal.

The restricted area is from between Marfell's Beach, 43km south of Blenheim down to the Conway River, south of Kaikōura.

Mr Halley said the loss of the fishing grounds had added pressure to surrounding areas, and asked that people take only what they need.

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