Rock lobster negotiations fail as recreational fishers leave the table

Negotiations to resolve spatial issues in the Cray 3 QMA near Gisborne failed last month after the representatives from the recreational sector cut off talks.

The Tairawhiti Rock Lobster Industry Association, representing CRA3 Commercial interests, said at the time they were disappointed at the “unhelpful attitudes and behaviour of the recreational sector representatives”, who for the second time walked away from the forum process.

The mission of the CRA3 forum has been to produce a management plan based on the best scientific information available. The plan sets out a process to improve sustainability and reduce conflict through better understanding and discussion of the expectations between stakeholders.

“As in any multi-stakeholder forum this takes time and a willingness of stakeholders to work towards an agreed solution which at times requires compromise. The sole focus of the recreational representatives has been to improve recreational fishing success wholly at the expense of other stakeholders,” the association told the Gisborne Herald.

The association said that CRA3 was a shared fishery and all sectors needed to work together to ensure the stocks were healthy enough for everyone to enjoy their share of the Total Allowable Catch.

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