b"FeatureLegaSea supports sustainable selective harvest methods such as hand gathering using breathing apparatus (SCUBA) or free diving, not destructive dredging. Photo credit - LegaSea STOCK STATUS THE PLAN for the future of the Coromandel In 2024, Fisheries NZ and NIWAComplaining without posingscallop fishery when (and only conducted a camera and dredgea solution is called whiningwhen) the scallop beds recover.survey to assess abundance across- Teddy Roosevelt Restoring scallop populations and key scallop beds in the CoromandelWhile populations are stillmaintaining abundance is the top fishery.The results were mixed. Somerecovering, now is the perfectpriority. Abundance helps to sustain localised recovery was seen aroundopportunity to have a conversationfuture harvest and will provide Mercury Bay since the closure butabout how we can create a healthybenefits for the coastal communities there was little recovery elsewhere. fishery for our future generations.Itsof the Coromandel.Prioritising Context is important. Even in areasclear that how scallops were managedabundance means putting an end showing some recovery, today'sdoesnt work. A boom-and-bustto destructive harvest methods. definition of abundance pales infishery is not productive for anyone. We know better than to allow comparison to what locals recall fromThe team at LegaSea and thethe use of archaic box dredges 30, 20 or even 10 years ago.ExpertsNew Zealand Sport Fishing Councilthat bring death and destruction suggest it could take several yearshave taken matters into their ownupon our marine environment.until Coromandel scallop populationshands.Together with a compilationThe draft plan supports the removal have rebuilt to a level that willof iwi, environmental groups,of both recreational and commercial restore their role in the ecosystem,local associations, and industrydredging and replacing it with while providing for all harvestexperts, we are promoting a boldselective methods such as hand-and future generations needs. restoration management plangathering using breathing apparatus.40FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE"