Fishery agreement close to completion

LOCAL iwi are a step closer to implementing a fisheries management plan for the Orari-Opihi area.

The committee or Tangata Tiaki-Kaitiaki spent a day in training recently with Ministry of Fisheries officials, outlining a management plan for the proposed area or mataitai which includes the waterways between Orton Rangitata Mouth Road and the Washdyke Lagoon.

Committee member Ernie Johnston said management of the area would include monitoring and managing eel populations, paua and other fisheries.

"At the end of the day we are all going to have to be responsible for how we manage the waterways," Mr Johnston said.

Tangata Tiaki-Kaitiaki will issue permits to recognise customary food gathering rights.

The current limit of six eels and 10 paua per person would remain, but iwi needs will be recognised on occasions such as hui. Commercial eeling of the area will cease.

Mr Johnston said there was plenty of weight and supporting information on behalf of the mataitai proposal.

Other regions are operating similar systems with the main focus being about sustainability. Tangata Tiaki will:

Issue of authorisations for customary fishing.

Give directions to customary fishers on the use of their authorisations.

Keep accurate records of authorisations they issue, and the quantities of fish taken under each authorisation.

Take part in fisheries management processes run by the Ministry of Fisheries, such as setting total allowable catches and developing regulations to manage wider fishing activity.

Meet and report yearly to tangata whenua and report quarterly to the Ministry of Fisheries providing a summary of information.

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