Reports about abuse of the pink maomao fishery is highly concerning, says Coromandel Member of Parliament Scott Simpson.

“I’ve written to Hon David Parker, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, seeking his urgent intervention to halt the pillaging of vast quantities of pink maomao from the seas around the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.

“There is currently no limit or catch restrictions on the taking of pink maomao. This seems to be a regulatory and legal loophole which needs to be fixed immediately.

“Overfishing causes enormous harm and I’m pleased that Ngati Hei have established a voluntary rahui. I support the move, but to have real impact that process requires formalisation as well.

“I am concerned that if urgent action is not taken, there is the potential for citizens to take matters into their own hands with all the negative outcomes that may stem from that.”