Fisheries Infosite

Fishery - Southern Shellfish


Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Customary significance High
Environmental importance High
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
Related links
The Southern Shellfish plan is a multi-stock fishery that is associated with the sandy-mud coastal areas from close inshore (estuaries) to the edge of the continental shelf (about 200 m). It is a shared fishery that is fished by commercial, amateur and customary fishers. Approximately 1,437 tonnes of shellfish are taken annually by the commercial sector with the majority of this being NZ littleneck clams and Kina. Both these fisheries have a well developed commercial industry with international and domestic markets built around them.Scallop.jpg