Seasonal Closure Introduced to Help Orange Roughy Recover

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced the seasonal closure, which will cover nearly 5,000 square kilometres of deepwater fishing grounds east of the South Island.

A major section of the East and South Chatham Rise fishery will be closed during the orange roughy spawning season as part of efforts to rebuild a fish stock that has come under increasing pressure. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced the seasonal closure, which will cover nearly 5,000 square kilometres of deepwater fishing grounds east of the South Island. The protected area will be off limits during the key spawning period from early June until mid-July each year. The decision follows concerns raised by scientific assessments showing the orange roughy population in the East and South Chatham Rise fishery needs careful management to support recovery.

Protecting Fish During a Critical Stage of Life

Orange roughy gather in large, dense groups at specific locations when they spawn, making them particularly vulnerable during this period. Fisheries experts have long identified spawning events as an important opportunity to protect breeding fish and encourage population growth.

The new closure covers the entire northwest spawning area within the fishery, ensuring fish can reproduce with less disturbance during the most important part of their breeding cycle.

Last year, the Government already reduced commercial catch limits for the fishery after evidence suggested stock numbers were under strain. The seasonal closure adds another layer of protection aimed at improving the long-term health of the population. Officials say giving mature fish a greater opportunity to spawn successfully is a key part of rebuilding numbers and supporting future sustainability.

Balancing Conservation and Industry Needs

The Chatham Rise orange roughy fishery has supported New Zealand's seafood industry for decades, providing jobs and economic benefits to coastal communities and businesses connected to the sector. While the closure represents a significant change for commercial operators, fishing activity will still be allowed in other parts of the East and South Chatham Rise fishery during the spawning closure period. Once the spawning season ends, fishing can resume across the entire fishery.

Shane Jones acknowledged the decision would have an impact on the industry but said protecting the long-term future of the stock remains essential. Feedback from fishing companies, environmental groups and other stakeholders was gathered through a public consultation process before the final decision was made. The Government says the combination of lower catch limits and stronger spawning protections is intended to give the fishery the best chance of recovery while ensuring it can continue contributing to New Zealand's economy for future generations.