Concern for Crayfish

Recreational fisheries lobby group, LegaSea, currently has a significant and potentially far reaching campaign affecting the CRA-2 QMS area.  

NZ Underwater supports the campaign on the basis that the CRA-2 area and the sustainability its the spiny lobster fishery is of significance to the members of the NZU.

A survey prepared and conducted by LegaSea in response to concerns about the state of the rock lobster fishery in CRA2 was distributed to NZUA members via its email database.

78% of 841 total respondents rated the size and availability of crayfish in CRA2 fishery at 1 or 2 out of 7 - with one being “decimated”, and seven being “best ever”.

This result supports Dr Tim Haggitt's August 2016 statement reported in Stuff.co.nz of crayfish being "functionally extinct" in the
Hauraki Gulf.

With more changes to the crayfish TACC (Total Allowable Commercial Catch) of this important species to NZUA members likely, the general position of the membership on submissions to crayfish management is currently being requested.