Marlborough Sounds blue cod season opens

Blue cod fishery in the Marlborough Sounds is now open – but the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is reminding fishers to abide by the rules.

MPI regional fisheries compliance manager Howard Reid says to remember the bag limit of two blue cod for all of the Marlborough Sounds and Tasman area.

“While compliance through the closed season was generally good, it’s time to shift gear and respect the rules while you are allowed to catch blue cod again,” he says.

“Remember during the open season you cannot fillet your blue cod while you are still on the water - unless you are going to eat them immediately. Fishers must land their blue cod in a whole or gutted state only.

“It’s also important to carefully measure your fish, and if you catch undersize ones, put them back quickly.

"By finding out about the rules and abiding by them you are doing your bit to look after the fishery and make sure there are enough fish for everyone.”

The blue cod season is closed for fishing from 1 September to 20 December.