FISHING IN THE GULF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20230, 15 April 1929, Page 10

FISHING IN THE GULF.

NEW LIMITS DEFINED.

USE OF DANISH SEINE. DEFINITE RESTRICTIONS. Further restrictions on Danish seining and trawling in the Hauraki Gulf are imposed by an Order-in-Council just gazetted. Formerly trawling was restricted to waters outside a line crossing the gulf from Cabbage Bay to Tiri Tiri Island and thence to the North Mahurangi Head. The limit during summer, that is, from November 16 to March 15, is now moved out to a lino from Cape Colville to Rodney Point. For the remainder of the year the line will run eastward from the north head of Colville Bay to Tiri Tiri Island, thence northward to Flat Rock, thence due north to the summer line already mentioned, and from the point of intersection westward to Rodney Point.

Danish seining from vessels exceeding 50ft. overall is prohibited throughout the year in waters within the line last described.

Danish seining from smaller vessels is prohibited throughout the year in waters within a line running from Gull Point (Deep Creek) southward to Rangitoto Beacon, thence generally along the south shores of Rangitoto, Waiheke and Pcnui Islands to the Ponui Passage, and thence across the Firth of Thames to Deadman Point, south of Coromandel Harbour. The prohibition also covers certain waters in and near Coromandel Harbour, arid the whole of Mahurangi Harbour, Bon Accord Harbour at Kawau, and the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours. From November 16 to January 31 all netting, with certain exceptions, is prohibited within a triangle bounded by a line from Takatu Point, north of Kawau Island, to Kauri Point on Waiheke Island, thence by the northern shores oi Waiheke, Motutapu and Rangitoto to Gull Point, and thence northward by the shore to the starting point. Bon Accord Harbour is not subject to the prohibition, which also does not apply to set nets for flounders, soles or mullet, or to drag-nets for herring and piper. The regulations define a Danish seine as a net with a warp attached to each wing and operated by being drawn over the sea bottom, the power for such operation being provided by an enginedriven winch. The mesh in the last three yards of the cod-end of the seine must measure, when prepared for use, not less than 4£in. The use of an otterboard with a Danish seine is prohibited, and it is to be an offence to have one on board a vessel engaged in Danish seining. No vessel may have a Danish seine on board while engaged in trawling. The maximum penalty for a breach of the regulations is fixed at £SO.