DOC reminds whitebaiters to follow the rules

Friday July 31, 2015

DOC reminds whitebaiters to follow the rules as season begins

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding whitebaiters to be aware of whitebait regulations, as the 2015 season begins in a couple of weeks.

The whitebaiting season runs from August 15 until November 30, everywhere except the West Coast - where it runs from September 1 to November 14.

DOC freshwater scientist Jane Goodman says regulations allow fishing and include conservation measures necessary to provide some protection for the native fish we call whitebait so they’re here for future generations to admire and enjoy.

Whitebait are juveniles of five species of native fish: shortjaw kokopu, giant kokopu, inanga, koaro and banded kokopu. Those that escape the whitebait net grow into adults ranging from about 9 cm to 50 cm long. They spawn in streamside vegetation.

“Whitebait are iconic in New Zealand. Unfortunately their numbers have declined. We need to ensure we fish them responsibly and protect their habitat,” says Jane Goodman.

“It’s good to see more conservation measures occurring, such as planting and fencing spawning grounds, as well as restoration of adult whitebait habitat.”

Some instream structures stop whitebait migrating upstream to adult habitat.
“We urge people to contact their local DOC or Regional Council office, if they see overhanging culverts, that stop whitebait migrating,” says Jane Goodman.

Whitebaiting is permitted between 5am and 8pm or between 6 am and 9pm when daylight saving starts on September 28.

DOC rangers will be patrolling whitebaiting sites and talking to whitebaiters throughout the season to ensure people are complying with the regulations.

“Illegal whitebaiting carries a maximum fine of $5000 and whitebaiting equipment can be seized,” says Jane Goodman.

DOC administers regulations that cover fishing methods, location, legal fishing times and net size. “This allows young fish to get upstream, to mature and breed, and ensure whitebait are here in the future,” says Jane Goodman.

Pamphlets with the regulations are at DOC offices and sporting shops and DOC’s website: http://www.doc.govt.nz/whitebait

To prevent the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests, DOC reminds whitebaiters to check, clean and dry their gear before moving to a different river.

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