Fisheries Infosite

Fishery - Northland Scallops


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
Underwater scallop
 
Scallops are highly valued and support important commercial, recreational and customary fisheries. The Northland scallop fishery extends from Ahipara at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, around North Cape and southwards to Cape Rodney, near Leigh on the east coast. The main commercial beds are between Spirits Bay and Bream Bay. Most recreational scallop catch occurs in harbours and embayments closed to commercial scallop fishers (eg Whangarei Harbour, the Bay of Islands). Little is known about the customary fishery.