New Zealand bans seaweed and invertebrate harvesting in northern Auckland rockpools from March 2026 to protect marine ecosystems.

New Zealand has imposed a two-year ban on harvesting seaweed and invertebrates from rockpools north of Auckland, effective March 12, 2026, to protect marine ecosystems from over-collection. The closure covers areas including the Hibiscus Coast, East Coast Bays, and some Hauraki Gulf islands, prohibiting the taking of species like starfish, anemones, sponges, and sea cucumbers, but excluding spiny rock lobster, scallops, and kina, which remain under existing limits. The measure, enforceable by Fishery Officers, follows a traditional rāhui by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and aims to address environmental degradation from unsustainable harvesting. Aquaculture and spat collection are exempt. The government will develop multilingual education materials and explore volunteer programs, with further management plans expected for public consultation.