Fishing – Be selective

In a circular put out by the recreational fishing advocacy group Legasea earlier this month, it was stated that “Crayfish stocks are in crisis” in the Hauraki Gulf. Indeed, crayfish numbers are now at an all-time low. This, in turn, creates a greater potential for kina barrens. Kina, if left unchecked, eat up all the seaweed and kelp on a reef leaving it totally barren, before moving on to the next reef and continuing their devastation there. When this happens, all life in the reef dies. These damaged reefs take years to recover. Boat fishermen will not notice this, but divers and spear fishermen will tell you that there are many areas around our gulf area where reefs are barren with no plant life left on them.
Snapper love kina. Only larger fish can crush the spiky sea urchins with their harder and stronger mouths. Crayfish also love kina, and can eat them as well. So, it stands to reason, then, that if the main predators of kina are not present on a reef, they will not be able to keep the spiky devils in check.

Therefore, larger snapper as well as crayfish should be left to do housekeeping over our reefs. For this reason, many fishermen do not take the biggest snapper when caught, but rather choose to take the 350 to 450mm size, which are also better for eating.

Similarly, concerned divers break up the kina for smaller fish to eat and do not shoot big snapper or take large crayfish from these reefs.

Another important point to remember is that larger fish and crustaceans carry more eggs and sperm than smaller specimens. They are, therefore, better producers of offspring, which in turn further reduces the amount of kina

Knowing this should prompt us all to be selective when harvesting from the ocean. Legasea is highly concerned. The issue of depleted crayfish stocks in the Hauraki Gulf needs to be brought to the attention of every citizen.

Unfortunately, with the spate of bad weather we have had to endure, not many have braved going out fishing. Those who did find a gap in the weather, reported some good catches of snapper and kingfish in the 20 to 30 metre depth range. Warkworth Game Fishing Club had their annual one base fishing competition over the Auckland Anniversary Weekend at Port Fitzroy, but sadly the catches were way down on last year. From 41 boats, only one blue marlin, weighing 157kg, was landed. On the other hand, some good mahimahi and shortbill spearfish were caught, which was not the case last year. Points were awarded for tagging and releasing fish in this competition.

The catching and tagging of billfish this year has been quite dismal compared to previous years. Also, pelagic fish species have been very scarce in our greater gulf area. The fishing normally picks up in March, so we can look forward to better weather and fishing then.

Tight lines!

Anthony Roberts, Tackle & Outdoors
tecnisportnz@gmail.com