Shellfish ban at Cockle Bay begins
Gathering shellfish in Auckland's Cockle Bay is no longer permitted, as a year-round ban on collection comes into force tomorrow.
Fisheries New Zealand enforced the closure after research showed a significant drop in the number of large cockle in the area.
In a statement, Fisheries New Zealand's manager inshore fisheries north, Jacob Hore, said that this ban was in place to help the population recover and will be reviewed after a period of three years.
"We use the best available science and information to determine if changes are required to management settings to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable. This information, along with feedback through public consultation, shaped our advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries on his decision to implement a full year-round closure at Cockle Bay/Tuwakamana," he said.
What you need to know:
- There is a ban on gathering any intertidal shellfish including cockles, green lipped mussels, oysters, crabs, limpets, starfish, periwinkles, whelks, barnacles, and snails.
- Signs have been updated and fisheries officers will be regularly patrolling the area.
- The closure will be reviewed after three years.
Fisheries NZ is encouraging beach-goers who see any suspicious activity to report it to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24)
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Impersonating tow truck drivers
Police are warning drivers across Tāmaki Makarau to be on the lookout for dodgy tow truck drivers following several incidents in the past few months.
Motorists are being warned of a small group of people pretending to be tow truck drivers, committing crimes by using unregistered tow trucks to pick up vehicles.
Sergeant Suzannah Kimber, Counties Manukau Police, says the group steals vehicles by pretending to legitimately tow them before disposing of the vehicles.
“Recently these offenders towed a member of the public’s vehicle in plain sight.
“Members of the public drove past this tow truck while they were loading it up as it just looked normal.
“They even go as far as wearing high-visibility clothing.”
Sergeant Kimber says Police are taking the opportunity to remind the community that all tow trucks will have external sign writing with the company name and be able to produce their logbook if asked.
“They also must be registered as a transport operator.
“If you see a tow truck without any distinguishing features towing cars, please call Police immediately.”