The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake caused significant coastal uplift resulting in high mortality of marine life, including pāua. The pāua fishery is of high importance to customary, recreational and commercial fishers in the region.
We undertook dive surveys to measure the recovery of the pāua populations on the affected coastline and have continued surveys since the fishery re-opening in 2021. This report provides an update of survey results that have now been undertaken annually over the last 7 years.
Surveys have shown a steady increase of pāua abundance across the fishery until it was re-opened in 2021 after which there has been a slight decline. This shows the benefit of the surveys in detecting the effects of fishing on pāua abundance in the area.
Data and outcomes from these surveys were used to inform the decision to re-open the fishery in 2021 and are now critical in informing future management decisions for the Kaikōura pāua fishery.
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