Press Release 6th May 2011

Exclusive capture of freshwater fisheries highlighted.

The issue of private individuals and companies capturing access to New Zealand’s iconic freshwater fisheries was the major topic of discussion at the recent AGM of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers held in Wellington.

Fish & Game NZ, the NZ Professional Fishing Guides Association, the Walking Access Commission, the NZ Salmon Anglers Association, and members of the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of New Zealand joined the Federation, which had previously highlighted this issue, at the meeting.

The Federation regards exclusive capture of sports fisheries as the exclusion of the public from the public resource so that fishing can be sold to paying anglers. It undermines the kiwiana traditions of farmer/landholder access arrangements that have stood the test of time. It does not mean that anglers expect to roam at will, but that they respect private property rights.

“The really gratifying result of this meeting was the unanimous agreement between all the parties represented that this insidious practice of the exclusive capture of our freshwater fisheries has no place in the great kiwi outdoors” said NZFFA President Jim Hale.

Frank Murphy, President of the NZ Professional Fishing Guides, said that the NZPFGA was against exclusive capture; it supported the NZFFA’s campaign against it, and Fish & Game NZ’s stance on it.

Bryce Johnson, CEO of NZ Fish and Game congratulated the NZFFA on highlighting this issue publicly. Both organizations will continue the work closely together to resolve it.

Mark Neeson, CEO of the NZ Walking Access Commission outlined the work of the Commission so far, and described the many different issues of access to public resources they were dealing with. He described a number of successes in the short time they have been operating. Anglers are welcome to seek WAC advice whenever necessary, and the WAC has much information that it can provide from the Commissions website.

Ron Stuart President of the NZ Salmon Anglers spoke on the damage to the salmon hatchery and the Canterbury Rivers from the Christchurch earthquake, and of the support of his organization for this issue.

Peter Dunne from United Future and Brendon Burns (Labour) also addressed the meeting.

“The meeting resolved to continue the progress and cooperation between all these organizations in eliminating this practice from New Zealand’s freshwater fisheries, and ensuring that all licensed anglers have equal opportunities to enjoy this outstanding outdoor recreation”, said Mr. Hale.

Ends.

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