More than 70 people listened to reasons why recreational paua harvesters should write submissions to the Primary Industries Ministry opposing its review to allow commercial harvesting in prohibited areas in the quota management area.
That includes coastline around Otago Peninsula, the Clutha River and Bluff Hill.
Meeting organiser Rhyse Bartlett said opening up areas to commercial harvesting along the coast from the Waitaki River mouth to the Waiau River mouth was wrong and he wanted future generations to enjoy what he could.
''I've got a couple of kids and I want them to see what I've got.''
A discussion paper with two possible options would be given to Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy, he said.
The options were to retain existing commercial harvest prohibitions or to allow commercial harvesting of paua in the closed areas.
The ministry preferred the second option and if approved, commercial fishing would start October 1, 2013, he said.
The public had until April 19 to submit submissions, he said.
Recreational fisherman Lloyd McGinty said he requested an extension of the submission date but was declined.
He snorkelled for paua in Dunedin and opening up to commercial harvesters would ''significantly impact'' on the resource, he said.
If the area was opened to commercial harvesters, the ministry would leave Seal Point on Otago Peninsula for the use of recreational harvesters. The offer was worthless because there were no paua to harvest at Seal Point, he said. Mr McGinty stressed the importance of submissions: ''It will take a couple of hours, but there's a lot to lose if you don't.''
