In August 2023, Fisheries New Zealand released a Discussion Paper presenting four options for establishing bottom fishing access zones, also known as trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi. The proposals are intended to reduce the extent of bottom trawling and Danish seining from the Hauraki Gulf, except within defined areas, to protect seafloor habitats.
Along with many others, the Mussel Reef Restoration Trust was disappointed that there was no option presented by Fisheries NZ for the complete removal of bottom contact fishing methods from the Gulf.
Read the Trust’s submission below. Read the proposals on the MPI website.