I just saw on the news that DoC have created a new marine reserve around part of Stewart Island.
A marine reserve was created around Kapiti Island, near where I live about 14 years ago. I objected to it at the time as I was a keen recreational fisherman and the area they made reserve were some of the best fishing grounds. However, I was wrong.
The creation of the reserve has been excellent for recreational fishing. Fish numbers and size is up and some species that we hadn’t caught in ages returned.
To all the recreational fishermen that object: wait and see, it will be good.