The Recreational Fishing Council says proposed cuts in commercial crayfish quotas do not go far enough and drastic action is needed.
A working party of industry representatives found crayfish numbers are not sustainable and are likely to drop further if current catch levels continue.
The group recommended a reduction of up to 19% in the quota for rock lobster fisheries in Gisborne, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Otago and Southland for the coming quota year, which begins in April.
However, Recreational Fishing Council past president Keith Ingram says quotas need to be cut by between 30% and 50%.
The Ministry of Fisheries is holding public consultation on the proposals. Submissions close in a month.
