Fisheries Infosite

Fishery - Challenger 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
Kina fishingThe main commercial fisheries included in the Challenger Shellfish Fishery (CSF) are a dredge and free dive kina fishery, primarily in the Marlborough Sounds; a mechanical dredge cockle fishery in Pakawau Beach, Ferry Point and Riwaka-Tapu Bay; and a small surf clam fishery in Cloudy and Clifford Bays, harvested by hydraulic dredge. Recreational fishers take CSF species by hand gathering, and important species include pipi, tuatua and kina. CSF species of particular importance to customary fishers include kina and cockles. Paua, rock lobster, dredge oysters and scallop fisheries for this area are described separately.