New tool to help save paua
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A new tool introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries to improve the survival rate of paua returned to the ocean has rolled off the production line.
Blenheim company INDAC are making 10,000 plastic knives for the ministry, which has given 200 to Top of the South industry council Pauamac7 to distribute to the community. The new knives are designed to remove paua, which are haemophiliacs and bleed profusely, from rocks without damaging them.
Pauamac7 chairman David Baker said previously the ministry had handed out measures to ensure fisherman were taking paua over the legal size limit of 125mm, but the new plastic knives were dual purpose and also incorporated a ruler. "People going down there with screwdriver or a sharp knife will often injure them, but this is a purpose-built knife that if used properly shouldn't harm the animal."
The best way to use the knife was to slide it gently under the animal to break the suction of the paua foot on the rock, he said.
Mr Baker hoped the new tool would improve the survival rates of undersized paua removed and then placed back by those fishing. The knives are available from Henderson's Ltd on Grove Rd and Oddis Marine, Waikawa marina.
The tool comes at a good time for recreational fishermen, who should be able to collect larger paua from recreational hot spots after Pauamac7 voluntarily increased the size of the paua they caught commercially around Marlborough last October.
The change affects Robin Hood Bay and Ocean Bay, where the commercial catch size is now 127mm, and the east coast from Wairau to the Clarence River, where only paua larger than 130mm will be taken.
Mr Baker said the increase would allow for better recreational fishing and increase the bio-mass of paua in those areas.
"We now have a very vibrant juvenile bio-mass. However, we have still got to be careful because we are still vulnerable to illegal catch."
He reminded fishermen that the daily quota was 10 paua per person and if people saw any suspicious activity they should report it to 0800 4 POACHER.
- The Marlborough Express
