Shellfish gathering is now banned at an Auckland beach.
File image. Photo: 123rf
The new rules at Cockle Bay/Tūwakamana cover species such as cockles, green-lipped mussels, oysters, crabs, limpets, starfish, periwinkles, whelks, barnacles, and snails.
Fisheries New Zealand scientist Jacob Hore said the shoreline had been popular with recreational harvesters but populations were falling.
He hoped the closures would remove pressure and help shellfish beds recover.
Fisheries New Zealand consulted the public last year and Hore said there was "overwhelming support" for the closures.
The ban will be reviewed in three years.
New signs have been put up and officers are patrolling the bay.
Suspicious fishing activity should be reported to the 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) hotline.