New marine protection rules in Northland
Environment court ruling updates no-take/no fishing regulations plus trawling and seining bans in areas of the Bay of Islands and Tutukaka Coast
In May 2023 the Environment Court issued its final decision on new marine protection rules for Mimiwhangata and Rakaumangamanga (Cape Brett), directing Northland Regional Council (NRC) to implement the rules through its Regional Plan. The Regional Plan and the marine protection rules became fully operative on 31 July 2023.
The rules applicable to the marine protected areas are as follows:
Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) to Oke Bay – no-take/no fishing;
Mimiwhangata – no-take/no fishing;
Rakaumangamanga (Cape Brett) – commercial fishing restrictions (no bottom trawling, bottom pair trawling, danish seining or purse seining).
NRC will be taking steps to educate the public about the new marine protected areas. Signage will be placed at boat ramps in the area, and staff will have on-water surveillance and presence at boat ramps leading into the summer period.
Please contact Nicola Hartwell, Kaiwhakahaere Moana Ora (Manager of Ocean Health) on the number below if you have any queries.
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