Whitebaiters reminded to follow the rules as season begins

Whitebaiters reminded to follow the rules as season begins

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding the public to be aware of the whitebait regulations with the commencement of the 2014 season.

The whitebaiting season runs from the 15th of August to the 30th of November everywhere except the West Coast of the South Island which runs from the 1st of September to the 14th of November. DOC Freshwater Technical Advisor Jane Goodman says the regulations were put in place to allow fishing but also to act as a conservation measure to protect the 5 species whose juveniles contribute to the fishery.

“The whitebait species are iconic and fascinating. Many New Zealanders enjoy whitebait fishing as a recreational activity. However, most people agree that whitebait numbers have declined over the years.”

“It is encouraging, then, to see an increased interest and willingness to fence and plant spawning and adult whitebait habitat. Whitebait fishers and others can also help by calling their local DOC or Regional Council office if they see overhanging culverts that stop whitebait migrating,” she says.

DOC staff will be out patrolling fishing sites and talking to fishers to check they are abiding with the Whitebait Regulations. The public are reminded that fishing is permitted between 5 am and 8 pm or between 6 am and 9 pm when daylight saving comes into effect.

“Illegal fishers can be fined up to $5,000 for certain offences so people are urged to make themselves aware of what is permitted under the regulations,” Jane Goodman says.

DOC administers regulations regarding fishing methods, timing, location and net size to ensure that enough young fish get upstream to mature and subsequently create new whitebait for the future.

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