How Many Mussels Can You Legally Take in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the recreational daily limit for harvesting green-lipped mussels (kuku or kūtai, Perna canaliculus) is 50 per person. These mussels grow in clumps on rocks or wharf piles, and as they do not have a stated minimum size, larger specimens are typically collected.

It’s important to note that this limit applies to the Auckland and Coromandel fishing areas. In other regions, the daily limit may vary.

Mussels are a popular traditional food for Māori, and they have been an important part of the diet since the first peoples arrived in New Zealand. Harvesting was a seasonal activity, part of the cycle of food-growing and gathering.

Mussel Harvesting Regulations

The recreational daily limit of 50 mussels per person is set by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to ensure the sustainability of the mussel population. This limit applies to all recreational fishers, regardless of their method of harvesting.

It’s crucial to follow these regulations to protect the health of our marine ecosystems. Exceeding the daily limit can result in serious consequences, including fines of up to $250,000 for the shellfish and additional charges for obstructing fishery officers.

In 2024, there was a notable case of three men from Whangarei who were caught with 2,683 mussels, nearly 18 times the legal limit. Their vehicle, boat, and trailer were confiscated, and they face charges under the Fisheries Act.

Mussel Harvesting Techniques

Mussels are typically harvested by hand from the rocks or wharf piles where they grow. It’s important to collect only the larger specimens, as smaller ones are more vulnerable and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

In the past, Māori used strong mussel shells to make muka, the stripped fibre of flax, when weaving cloaks. They also had specific flax baskets for harvesting pipi, another type of shellfish, which allowed smaller specimens to fall back into the beds.

If you plan to harvest mussels, it’s essential to keep them cool and out of direct sunlight to increase their chances of survival if they need to be returned to the water.

Mussel Conservation Efforts

In addition to the daily limit, there are other measures in place to protect mussel populations in New Zealand. For example, some areas may be temporarily closed to harvesting to allow the mussels to recover and replenish their numbers.

Conservation efforts also include monitoring the health of mussel beds and conducting research to better understand their life cycle and habitat requirements. By working together to protect these important resources, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of our oceans.