Further restrictions on the harvesting of spiny rock lobster in the upper North Island

The inner Hauraki Gulf was closed to fishing the lobster earlier this year.

From April that ban will extend from the Hauraki Gulf at Cape Rodney to Ohao Point, including Parengarenga Harbour

A recreational daily catch limit of two lobsters per person, per day, is in place for the rest of Northland - including its west coast.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says it will build stocks of the species - which play an important role in the marine ecosystem.