Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Sustainable whitebait fishery survey – Expert reaction
Public survey about whitebait fishing finds 90 per
cent of respondents support efforts to make the fishery
sustainable.
Almost 2,900 people completed
the survey put forward by the Department of Conservation,
including iwi, recreational and commercial whitebait
fishers, and scientists.
The responses will help inform a discussion document coming later in the year that aims to improve whitebait management. This document will then go out for wider public consultation.
The SMC asked experts to comment.
________________________________________
Dr
Mike Hickford, Research Biologist, Marine Ecology Research
Group, University of Canterbury, comments:
"I am very pleased to see that DOC is progressing to public consultation on future whitebait management in New Zealand. It has been over 20 years since the whitebait regulations were last reviewed, and in that time the pressures on whitebait populations have changed markedly.
"The influence of intensive agriculture, reduced water quality, land-use changes and introduced predators has changed, even in New Zealand’s most pristine areas, and these factors, together with the whitebait fishery, need to be considered for the conservation of New Zealand’s whitebait species.
"Fishing methods and the reasons for whitebaiting have also changed in many areas and there is some doubt as to whether the current regulations have kept up with these changes.
"The whitebait regulations are not consistent throughout New Zealand and the underlying reasons for these differences are not clear. This has caused feelings of inequity. I anticipate that the consultation will generate much debate because people are passionate about the species that support the whitebait fishery and passionate about the fishery itself. Passion and debate is good; disinterest and inertia is not."
No conflict of interest.
Science Media Centre NZ
Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
