Check the rules before you go fishing

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is reminding all recreational fishers to check the rules before they head out for a fish this Labour Weekend.

You can face serious penalties if you break fisheries laws and MPI fishery officers are regularly on the water, on the beach or at the boat ramp, chatting to fishers and checking catches.

Fishers should be asking themselves “is my catch legal?”, because that is what MPI fishery officers will be asking.

The rules are different for different areas so check the rules before you go fishing if you are travelling to a different part of the country.

There are a variety of free channels you can use to check the rules:
• Information of all limits and sizes including closures and other rules can be found on the MPI website. www.mpi.govt.nz
• Download the NZ Fishing Rules App for smartphones or free text 9889 to have it sent to your phone
• Free-text the name of the species you are fishing to 9889 for the size and limits
• Visit a local office
• Pick up a brochure from a fishing shop.

MPI encourages people to report any suspicious fishing activity to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are confidential.

ENDS

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