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Fisheries New Zealand says the daily limit for recreationally-caught pāua will be reduced to five of each pāua species per fisher, to support the sustainability of stocks in the central and lower North Island. The new rules are now in effect and Fisheries New Zealand’s director of fisheries management, Emma Taylor, says it is because pāua is a popular species for many New Zealanders and highly valued by Māori customary fishers, recreational fishers, and commercial fishers. Tangata whenua, raised concerns about the sustainability of pāua stocks and were also reflected in submissions from recreational fishers. Both customary and recreational fishers have reported localised depletion, particularly in easily-accessible areas with expected higher levels of recreational fishing during the summer months.