The government has released new commercial catch limits for scallops, reducing the allowable limit in the Marlborough Sounds.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said the decision was to ensure sustainability and to allow time for scallop numbers to rebuild.
The Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company, which is made up of commercial quota holders, will be allowed up to 25 tonnes of scallops from the Marlborough Sounds during the 2015/2016 season.
At the same time, they will be able to take a further 15 tonnes from Tasman Bay.
A Sounds residents group recently said the commercial scallop industry wanted to harvest 34 tonnes this year, which it said was not sustainable.