Opinions vary on shellfish ban

Opinion is mixed on the success of a Whangateau HarbourCare Group voluntary ban on gathering cockles from seriously depleted Whangateau Harbour beds.

Graham Painter of the Omaha Beach Community says the ban has had some success with many locals not collecting shellfish, but Harbour-care member Elizabeth Foster labels it a "complete failure".

Ms Foster owns a property overlooking the harbour and says in spite of much publicity around the ban, the number of harvesters has been higher than last year.

The extra media coverage surrounding the fragile condition of the cockle beds has exacerbated the problem, she says, with many holiday makers and visitors to the area trying to get in ahead of a likely Ministry of Fisheries ban.

HarbourCare member and marine scientist Roger Grace, who put up numerous signs around the harbour before the holidays, says many of these have been repeatedly vandalised or removed, despite renailing in some cases.

Last summer, around 60 percent of the cockles died off, including 85 percent of larger collectable-size shellfish which are also breeding stock.

The cockles filtering water as they feed is seen by marine experts as an integral part of the harbour's good health.

The voluntary ban, which had the backing of many groups, including Ngati Manuhiri, the Omaha Beach Community and Auckland Regional Council, was introduced when it became clear a likely Fisheries Ministry three-year ban would not be introduced in time to protect the remaining shellfish over the holiday period.

The fisheries ban, if approved, would take effect in late February or March.Ngati Manuhiri retain permit rights.

Ms Foster says she saw many people not only collecting but also gathering far more than their 50 daily limit.

She believes many of the shellfish are being sold at markets in south Auckland.

"Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley could have imposed an immediate ban but has chosen not to," says Ms Foster

"I am frustrated and angry that people are being so selfish," says Ms Foster.

"With no close cockle populations to replenish the beds naturally, they may struggle to survive if numbers fall too low," says Dr Grace, "even with a fisheries ban in place."

- © Fairfax NZ News