Auckland’s east coast rockpools will be closed to most forms of harvesting for the next two years, a move announced Sunday by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. The ban, which takes effect March 12, aims to halt what Jones described as the “wholesale stripping” of marine life from the intertidal areas of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Kawau Bay, and Ōmaha Bay. The decision follows growing concerns from locals and advocacy groups about the sustainability of the ecosystem and increasing reports of over-harvesting.
The closure will prohibit the taking of all seaweed and invertebrate species, including shellfish, sponges, starfish, sea anemones, and sea cucumbers. Still, some exceptions will apply. Kina (sea urchin), spiny rock lobster, and scallops – already subject to existing closures – are excluded from the ban, as are aquaculture operations like marine farming and spat collection. Jones explained that allowing the continued harvesting of kina is intentional, as officials are focused on managing “kina barrens,” areas where the species has proliferated unchecked.
Responding to Community Concerns
The move comes after sustained pressure from local communities and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, who initially applied for a two-year legal ban on harvesting all shellfish and seaweed from rock pools along a wider stretch of Auckland’s eastern coastline. Radio Recent Zealand reported that Jones acknowledged the concerns, stating that while most visitors “gather only what is appropriate and legal,” others were “exploiting and collapsing” the fragile ecosystems. The government’s decision enacts a traditional rāhui, a customary restriction placed on resource use, with statutory backing.
Oceans and Fisheries Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft emphasized the collaborative approach, noting that officials have been directed to support community volunteers in encouraging responsible behavior among visitors. Fisheries New Zealand will also develop multilingual educational materials to support the closure and ongoing management of intertidal fisheries. This effort aims to ensure that information about the ban and sustainable harvesting practices reaches a broad audience.
A Win for Conservation Advocates
Mark Lenton, leader of the Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools group, hailed the ban as an “outstanding win” for the community and marine life. The group has been vocal in its concerns about the depletion of rockpool ecosystems due to over-harvesting, and the new restrictions are seen as a crucial step towards their recovery. The concerns raised by Lenton’s group and others highlighted the need for greater protection of these vulnerable areas, which are vital habitats for a diverse range of marine species.
Jones indicated that the government is also considering further restrictions on shellfish harvesting in other parts of the country, signaling a broader commitment to sustainability. Officials are currently developing a wider plan for managing intertidal shellfish in Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, with public consultation expected in the coming months. This suggests a more comprehensive approach to fisheries management is on the horizon.
Enforcement and Penalties
The temporary closure will be enforced by fishery officers, and the government is considering implementing infringement notices for those who breach the rules. While specific details regarding penalties are still being finalized, the intention is to deter illegal harvesting and ensure compliance with the ban. The effectiveness of the closure will depend on robust enforcement and ongoing community engagement.
The two-year ban on rockpool harvesting represents a significant intervention to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems north of Auckland. As officials move forward with developing a wider management plan and engaging with the public, the focus will be on balancing the needs of the community with the long-term health of these valuable coastal resources. The next step in the process will be the public consultation period for the wider Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula plan, details of which are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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