Owners of quota in the Southern CRA8 spiny rock lobster (crayfish) area are close to a catch level that would have the effect of raising the quota.
The CRA8 lobster fishery — the biggest in New Zealand — is considered to be in a very good state and catch rates are nearing the point that would trigger an automatic lifting of the total allowable catch.
Any increase would be applied, pro rata and at no cost, to all those who own quota in the CRA8 region.
