"Recreational Fishers Warn Hauraki Marine Law Sets 'Perilous Precedent'"

The new Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act limits recreational fishing, allowing commercial fishing in two high protection areas, sparking concerns over marine conservation.

• The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act, effective October 25, prohibits fishing in High Protection Areas while permitting limited commercial fishing, raising alarm among recreational fishing advocates.
• Advocacy group LegaSea claims the law creates exclusive zones for commercial fishing, undermining conservation efforts in the Hauraki Gulf and jeopardizing fish populations.
• Under the new act, the Department of Conservation (New Zealand) will oversee the implementation of these protected areas, which are designed to safeguard the oceans biodiversity and seabed habitats.