Toheroa numbers remain low
It looks like the long wait for toheroa may continue for some time yet.
Despite a ban on harvesting, the numbers of toheroa at Oreti Beach in Invercargill are low compared with historical estimates, according to the latest report by NIWA.
The report, which was commissioned by the Ministry of Fisheries, shows that the population of legal-sized toheroa (100 mm or more) at Oreti Beach has decreased from about 700 000 in 1998 to about 600 000 in 2002. Oreti Beach has the most significant population of toheroa in the South Island and is one of only two places there where toheroa are found in significant numbers.
NIWA scientist Dr Mike Beentjes says that although this decrease is not as dramatic as that seen in 1996 when the population fell to about 400 000, numbers are still down on those found during surveys between 1971 and 1990 which showed a relatively stable population of between 1 and 2 million toheroa (more than 80 mm in length).
“Toheroa are endemic to New Zealand and are very highly valued. In the North Island there were substantial toheroa populations off Ninety-Mile beach and in the Kapiti Coast area about 30 to 40 years ago, but both populations have since declined substantially.”
Dr Beentjes says that up until 40 years ago toheroa were intensively harvested, commercially and recreationally, but that fishing has been prohibited throughout New Zealand due to concerns about low population numbers. The only legal harvesting of toheroa is the customary Maori take and the occasional one-day season at Oreti Beach, the last of which took place in 1993.
“We’re not exactly sure why there are less toheroa now than in the 1970s and 1980s. Wave action caused by severe storms may have a part to play because this can affect the number of young toheroa which recruit every year to the beach,” said Dr Beentjes.
Waihopai Runaka member and tangata tiaki (Area Fisheries Manager) for Murihiku Jodie Cameron helps monitor and keep records of the Maori customary take from Oreti Beach for the Ministry of Fisheries. He worked with NIWA on the survey, and says he is concerned about the number of vehicles going up and down the beach and endangering the juvenile toheroa that sit just under the sand.
Allen Frazer from the Ministry of Fisheries says he doubts there will be another open day in the immediate future.
“The latest survey results have yet to be fully assessed, but it seems unlikely that the population has rebuilt to a level where it could sustain a substantial recreational harvest. If we were to look at a recreational harvest, we would need to talk to a number of people in the community about it.”
