A huge increase in the amount of snapper that can be caught commercially off the west coast of the North Island, could do long term harm.
That from a recreational fishing group in response to a proposal to open the doors to widespread harvesting of the popular fish, for the first time in 16 years.
The area from North Cape to Kapiti was largely closed to commercial fishers in 2005 after the collapse of snapper stocks due to over fishing.
Legasea represents recreational fishers.
Spokesperson Sam Woolford told Conan Young the North Island west coast was absolutely hammered.
