Gear seized from pair caught whitebaiting illegally

Two males have had their nets, waders and different tools seized after being caught whitebaiting illegally in Southland.

The whitebaiting season began on September 1 and ended on October 31.

Nonetheless, Southland Police and the Division of Conservation caught the 2 males in Western Southland throughout a joint operation on Tuesday night time.

Western Southland space response supervisor Senior Sergeant Pete Graham mentioned it was the third enforcement night time the be a part of operation had run because the shut of the season.

‘‘Whitebaiting season ended on October 31, so it’s disappointing that we situated two males illegally fishing on the Waiau River mouth.

‘‘We’ve got seized their whitebaiting fishing tools and will probably be referring the incident to the Division of Conservation to think about prosecution motion.

‘‘I encourage all whitebaiters to familiarise themselves with the principles and rules round fishing exercise, in an effort to keep away from any confusion,’’ he mentioned.

The Division of Conservation units a selected whitebaiting season to guard the threatened native fish species, and make sure the sustainability of the whitebait fishery in New Zealand for future generations.

A separate whitebaiting season is held within the Chatham Islands from December 1 till the final day of February.

Snr Sgt Graham urged the group to report any unlawful or suspicious exercise by calling 111 if it was taking place now, or 105 if it was after the very fact.

You can too make a report anonymously by means of Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

 – john.lewis@odt.co.nz