Sounds like a plan for cod survival

Marlborough Sounds blue cod will be off the menu for recreational fishers during the busy Xmas New Year period after the Government announced changes to the length of the closed season.

The Marlborough Sounds blue cod fishery will now be officially closed from September 1 until January 10, 2026. It was previously shut from September 1 to December 19.

This news comes after public consultation at the end of 2024 and start of 2025 saw around 80 percent of responses on this proposal support a closure of some length.

Commercial catch limits for the fish stock were reduced in 2022 in response to scientific information indicating high fishing pressure was impacting the fishery, while a fishery advisory group provided local expertise.

“Blue cod is a favourite for many fishers and this popularity, as well as other factors, has led to sustainability concerns for the Marlborough Sounds fishery”, said Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones.

“Ahead of this summer, officials are also updating educational material for recreational fishers about how they can do their part to ensure sustainability, such as avoiding blue cod during the closed season, and safely releasing blue cod to minimise risk of mortality.

“The advisory group has been instrumental in providing advice on ways to improve the health of the blue cod population in the Marlborough Sounds.

“I thank the members for their mahi to protect their local fishery, as well as the public who gave their views as part of the consultation.”

The minister said Fisheries and MPI officials will be exploring factors affecting Marlborough Sounds blue cod, including reduced spawning and survivability of caught fish that are returned, before reconsidering proposals later in 2025.

Suggestions for those taking to the water include the use of barbless hooks when targeting blue cod as well as using safer release practices to ensure fish survive being caught and released, despite the human and predator pressures.

Karabatic Charters Grant Orchard says that while the ban could help the cod populations, it would mean increased pressure on other species.

“The inner Sounds suffers immense pressure during the summer holidays for those not willing or having the capacity to venture wide enough beyond the closed area to catch a decent size fish and not have to fish through 10-15 to keep their bag limit of two.

“I’m of the opinion that extending the ban will only increase the mortality rate as targeting other species, whilst noble, is not necessarily stopping the catching of blue cod, only landing them within the restricted closure areas.

“For those operators whining about the extended closure, perhaps they should pivot. It’s only my opinion, but a total closure annually within the inner Sounds in the slower tourism months, and or cooler months, would go a long way into giving the fishery a chance.”

For more information please visit MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/marlborough-sounds-blue-cod-review-measures-to-reduce-fishing-pressure-and-improve-fishery-health/