Shellfish Quotas Cut

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31729, 12 July 1968, Page 20

Shellfish Quotas Cut

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 11. A closed season for scallops and a reduction in the quota of shellfish—other than scallops and toheroa—were announced today by the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott). Mr Scott said the quota of

shellfish had been reduced from one four-gallon lot a person a day to one two-gallon lot a person a day, measured in the shell. There would be a party quota of one five-gallon lot, measured in the shell, if more than two persons were associated. "This reduction in quotas applies only to noncommercial or amateur fishermen,” he said. “It arises out of the severe pressure being put on shellfish beds—particuf larly mussel beds—which

gives cause for concern for their future welfare.” The personal quota of three dozen scallops was unchanged but a party quota of 7} dozen had been imposed. From March 1 to July 31 each year a closed season on scallops would be enforced against both amateur and commercial fishermen. The exploitation of scallop beds had given cause for concern and commercial fishermen supported the declaration of the closed season, so that the future welfare of the beds could be ensured. Other amendments provided for the removal of the present minimum size of groper taken or possessed, and for a reduction from lin to Jin in the minimum size of mesh in nets used for taking sardines.