29 Jan 2014

Consultation on new limits for rock lobster, scallops

11:24 am on 29 January 2014

The Government is asking for feedback on new catch limits for rock lobster and scallop stocks as it begins a public consultation.

It is also looking at changes to commercial overfishing penalties for sea cucumber, and whether carpet shark, seal shark and hagfish should be added to the quota management system.

The Ministry for Primary Industries says the review is all about increasing productivity and ensuring the long term sustainability of the fisheries.

Fisheries management director James Stevenson-Wallace urged stakeholders and tangata whenua to engage in the process and put forward their submissions.

Rock Lobster Industry Council's executive officer Daryl Skykes said he's not expecting any big surprises from the process: