Public consultation has opened on proposals that could close parts of the Auckland and Coromandel coastline to shellfish gathering and place additional limits on harvesting in intertidal zones.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones said officials have prepared options for “better intertidal species management,” including area closures and extra restrictions on shellfish and some other species. He encouraged people to have their say.

Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft said tangata whenua and local communities have been raising concerns about the quantity and range of marine life being taken from rock pools and other intertidal areas, with easy access from a large urban population putting pressure on kaimoana close to shore.

Auckland Minister Simon Watts said the proposed “targeted protections” have been designed with local communities to give stressed areas time to recover, alongside work addressing pollution and runoff. “We want your input on how to get this right,” he said.

The review follows a new two-year ban on gathering sea life from rockpools and other intertidal areas in the northern Hauraki Gulf, which took effect on 12 March. Jones said the restrictions north of Auckland have seen high compliance and community support.

Details of the proposals and how to make a submission are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.