Cook Islands · Spearfishing zone
Offshore / bluewater zone around Rarotonga (Fish Aggregating Devices)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Offshore / bluewater zone around Rarotonga (Fish Aggregating Devices).
Open-ocean pelagic spearfishing for tuna, mahimahi, wahoo and marlin around FADs miles offshore in deep water. This is the form of spearfishing commonly practised and offered by local operators; reef/lagoon spearfishing is avoided due to ciguatera. Coordinates are the island centre (approximate) for reference.
What applies here
Restrictions
Specific rules and limits that apply within this area.
Experienced bluewater hunters only; bring own equipment. Outside ra'ui reserves and the 50 nm large-scale commercial fishing restriction zone (artisanal/recreational take permitted).
When it applies
Seasons
Time-of-year periods that affect spearfishing in this zone.
Year-round; pelagic species seasonal availability varies.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
21.2333°S, 159.7833°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Cook Islands
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Aitutaki: from the Cook Islands Tourism Office in Arutanga and the Araura Marine Research Centre near the airport. Rarotonga: no licence required for general fishing.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · cookislandspocketguide.com