A ban on both commercial and recreational crayfish fishing along Northland’s east coast will take effect from 1 April next year, aimed at stopping the species’ sharp population drop.
The new rules, effective from 1 April 2026, will be:
- The CRA1 northern rock lobster fishery closure will extend from Ohao Point (just south of North Cape), including Pārengarenga Harbour, to Cape Rodney at the Hauraki Gulf.
- In the rest of the CRA1 fishery—including Northland’s west coast—the recreational daily catch limit for spiny rock lobster will drop to two per person.
- A portion of the CRA2 fishery will also close between Te Ārai Point and the inner Hauraki Gulf, which is already closed.
According to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, closing the rock lobster fishery is essential to provide the species a break and help rebuild depleted stocks.
Most commercial spiny rock lobster fishing, commonly called red crayfish, off Northland’s east coast has already ceased under a voluntary industry closure.
The recreational crayfish limit on Northland’s west coast will drop to two per day.
“This fishery is a priority for me, and I’m aware people have concerns about low spiny rock lobster numbers. Rock lobsters play an important role in the marine ecosystem by helping keep kina numbers in check.”
“The changes I am making will help restore balance by increasing the numbers and size of spiny rock lobsters in the fishery.”
Jones praised the fishing industry for proactively addressing the decline in crayfish populations. However, he believed additional measures for both commercial and recreational fishers were essential to maximise the fishery’s recovery chances.