Two-Year Rockpool Harvesting Ban Announced for North Auckland Coast

The Government has confirmed a two-year ban on the taking of shellfish, seaweed and other marine life from rockpools along parts of Auckland’s eastern coastline, following mounting concern from local residents about environmental damage.

The temporary closure applies to the entire Whangaparāoa Peninsula, as well as Kawau Bay and Ōmaha Bay. It comes after reports that rockpools were being stripped of sea life, with residents saying visitor numbers had surged and ecosystems were under pressure.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones said most people gathered seafood responsibly, but a minority were overharvesting and putting fragile intertidal environments at risk. The ban takes effect from 12 March and will be enforced by fisheries officers.

The decision follows an application last year by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a two-year prohibition under section 186A of the Fisheries Act. The Government sought urgent advice in January before moving ahead with a closure aligned with a traditional rāhui. Jones said some species and areas requested were excluded where existing restrictions already apply.

Under the ban, all shellfish, seaweed and invertebrates found in rockpools are covered, including starfish, sponges, anemones and sea cucumbers. Spiny rock lobster and scallops are already subject to separate closures. Sea urchin, or kina, are excluded from the new restrictions and may still be taken within current recreational limits, with the minister saying managing kina barrens remains a priority.

The closure does not apply to aquaculture operations, including marine farming or the collection of spat. Officials say steps will be taken to support education and compliance, including the development of multilingual material and potential involvement of community volunteers.

The Hauraki Gulf Forum has welcomed the move, describing it as an important step to protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems while allowing time for regeneration.

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