Iwi in Golden Bay have created a mataitai (customary fishing reserve) at Paturai in a bid to restore paua stocks.
John Ward-Holmes says paua and other species have been under pressure from commercial, recreational and customary fishing.
Waatea News reports the management of Mohua ki te Tai Tapu Mataitai will be shared between Te Atiawa, Ngati Tama, Ngati Rarua and the wider community.
Mr Ward-Holmes says the customary fishing reserve covers two sections of the coastline and extends up to 1km offshore.
