1578 (2024). Darleen Tana to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

1578 (2024). Darleen Tana to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Does he agree with scientists, like Vince Kerr, who stated that “While removing kina treats the symptom, it does nothing to address the core cause of a sick reef. And that is overfishing.”, if so, what actions will he take to ensure an increase in the numbers of natural predators in the region?

Hon Shane Jones: I recognise the importance of addressing the root causes of kina barrens, and that the presence of natural predator populations is essential for reef health. I have directed officials to progress a range of actions that support the culling or translocation of kina and increasing the abundance of large predators, including potential increase of the recreational daily limit for kina. I have also recently approved a two-year closure of fisheries around Tutukaka Harbour and surrounding areas, to allow taonga species (including snapper and crayfish) to recover to sustainable levels and to enhance the ecosystem in the closed area.