Two-year fishing closure off Port Napier aims to restore taonga species and grow a thriving reef ecosystem through community-led conservation.
A two-year closure for all fishing around a small artificial reef off Port Napier will support community efforts to restore taonga species to the area, and the development of a thriving reef ecosystem, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
The closure, which covers 0.11km2 around the artificial reef, was requested by the Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust, and supported by the Manu Ahuriri Trust, Maungaruru-Tangitū Trust, and Mana Whenua Steering Komiti. The closure will be in place fom August 8 2025 to 7 August 2027.
“I’m a strong proponent of communities getting involved to help the marine environment that they love flourish, and this temporary closure is an example of locals doing exactly that,” Mr Jones says.
“The artificial reef, created as part of Te Whiti Wharf development at the Port of Napier in 2021, has been the focus of a community-led effort to build the population of taonga species like rock lobster, blue cod, and green-lipped mussels in the area.
Public consultation on the closure drew submissions in support from a range of groups including the Port of Napier, local government, environmental groups and recreational fishing organisations. A previous closure around the reef expired on 21 June 2025.
“In addition to the restoration of fish species, there has also been a locally driven project to develop tī kōuka, or spat ropes, to support mussel spat growth. These were woven locally from harakeke (flax) and designed to promote the rapid growth of green-lipped mussels and kelp,” Mr Jones says.
Funding from the Fisheries New Zealand Customary Fisheries Research Fund has been used to support restoration and monitoring efforts on the artificial reef.
For more details about the closure, including a map of the area, please see MPI’s website.
Media contact: Lucy Bennett, +64 221 08 687
