Keep Taranaki clean, anglers urged

Wed 28 Sep 2016

The region’s anglers are being urged to protect their patch as they head out to their favourite fishing haunts this spring.

Moving fish and aquatic plants between waterways not only puts the environment at risk, but also puts transgressors on the wrong side of the law.

“We’re particularly concerned about four classified pest fish in Taranaki – koi carp, gambusia, rudd and brown bull-headed catfish,” says the Taranaki Regional Council’s Environment Services Manager, Steve Ellis. “But the transfer or release of any aquatic life between and within waterways is strictly controlled under a range of legislation.”

He says the rules are about protecting Taranaki’s rivers and streams. “Pest fish, aquatic weeds, algae and diseases can have irreversible impacts on freshwater ecosystems and fisheries, so we’re calling on all anglers to do their bit to protect their patch.

Anglers should follow the ‘check clean dry’ procedure to ensure they don’t transfer unwelcome aquatic pests between waterways – CHECK for any plant or animal material on clothing and gear, CLEAN thoroughly with detergent and DRY for at least 48 hours before using in another waterway.

For detailed information on cleaning methods, seewww.biosecurity.govt.nz/cleaning

Any sightings of pest fish in Taranaki should be reported to the Taranaki Regional Council (0800 736 222) or the Department of Conservation.

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