Key Takeaways
- A rāhui has been declared on collecting shellfish from Kaihīnaki (Moeraki Boulders) to the western end of Onekakara (Moeraki harbour beach) due to overfishing and declining shellfish numbers.
- The rāhui will remain in place until the shellfish population recovers to a sustainable level.
- Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, with the support of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, is working to have the rāhui formally recognized under the Fisheries Act.
- The public is requested to respect the rāhui and refrain from collecting shellfish in the affected area during the summer holiday season.
Introduction to the Rāhui
The Te Rūnanga o Moeraki has recently declared a rāhui on collecting shellfish from Kaihīnaki (Moeraki Boulders) to the western end of Onekakara (Moeraki harbour beach). This decision was made in response to the increasing pressure on the shellfish population in the area, which has resulted in a significant decline in both numbers and size. The rāhui is a customary management process that aims to temporarily close fishing in certain areas to allow for the sustainable management of fish and shellfish. By declaring a rāhui, the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki hopes to protect the shellfish population and allow it to recover to a more sustainable level.
The Reasoning Behind the Rāhui
According to Chief Executive Trevor McGlinchey, the Moeraki Tangata Tiaki has noted a significant increase in shell fishing pressure on this area of the coast. This increased pressure has resulted in a decline in shellfish numbers and size, prompting the need for a rāhui to be declared. The Tangata Tiaki, who are appointed under the South Island Customary Fisheries regulations, are trained to support sustainable management of fisheries. They have advised the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki to take action to protect the shellfish population, and the rāhui is a direct result of this advice. The decision to declare a rāhui was taken by the Rūnanga Executive, and it is expected to remain in place until the shellfish population has recovered to a more sustainable level.
The Role of Tangata Tiaki
The Tangata Tiaki play a crucial role in the management of fisheries in the area. They are appointed under the South Island Customary Fisheries regulations and are responsible for supporting sustainable management of fisheries. The Tangata Tiaki work closely with the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki to monitor the health of the fisheries and provide advice on how to manage them sustainably. In this case, the Tangata Tiaki have identified the need for a rāhui to protect the shellfish population, and their advice has been instrumental in the declaration of the rāhui. The Tangata Tiaki will continue to work with the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki to monitor the effectiveness of the rāhui and make adjustments as necessary.
The Formal Recognition of the Rāhui
The Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, with the support of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, has commenced the process of formally having the rāhui recognized under section 186A and 186B of the Fisheries Act. This formal recognition will provide additional protection for the shellfish population and ensure that the rāhui is respected by all. However, in order to protect the area during the summer holiday season, the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki has independently declared a rāhui on the area and requests that this is respected by all. The public is urged to refrain from collecting shellfish in the affected area until the rāhui is lifted.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the declaration of a rāhui on collecting shellfish from Kaihīnaki (Moeraki Boulders) to the western end of Onekakara (Moeraki harbour beach) is a necessary step to protect the shellfish population in the area. The Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, with the support of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, is working to have the rāhui formally recognized under the Fisheries Act, and the public is requested to respect the rāhui and refrain from collecting shellfish in the affected area. By working together, we can help to protect the shellfish population and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fisheries in the area. It is essential that we respect the rāhui and allow the shellfish population to recover, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the abundance of the sea.