Blue cod rule changes

Blue cod is the most popular finfish species caught by recreational fishers in South Island waters. Recently, Cabinet approved some management rule changes to be enacted 1 July.  

One rule change to enhance compliance and enforcement requires fishers to land blue cod in a measurable state unless immediately consumed on board.

Fish Mainland enquired whether the landing in a measurable state rule applies to other finfish species, such as sea perch, caught during a fishing trip that includes the catch of blue cod that are not immediately consumed.

Fisheries New Zealand confirmed the measurable state rule only applies to blue cod not immediately consumed during the trip. All existing rules apply to any other species caught.

Fish Mainland also enquired about the apparent North – South Island split in enacting some rule changes. While blue cod catch in North Island waters must also be landed in a measurable state, most areas (BCO1 & BCO2) retain higher bag limits, 20 fish per day, than South Island areas, and BCO1 retains a lower minimum legal size (MLS), 30 cm. All other areas have a 33 cm MLS.

Fisheries New Zealand provided a somewhat fishy response by noting that while a national management strategy was driving the rule changes, its focus was predominately on the South Island where the bulk of the blue cod catch occurs.

What concerns or questions do you have about the blue cod management rule changes?

Dr Randall Bess