Whitebait season officially open

Keen whitebaiters will be lining up for their favourite stands to try net the delicacies on the second incoming tide of the new season, which started August 15.

The Department of Conservation is marking the occasion by publishing a reminder of the rules.


People are being reminded of the rules surrounding whitebaiting.

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

Whitebait are juveniles of five species of native fish: giant kokopu, banded kokopu, shortjaw kokopu, inanga, and koaro. Those that escape the whitebait net grow into adults ranging from 10 to 60 centimetres long.

'Unfortunately four of the five species are categorised as either threatened or at risk due to declining numbers and habitat,” says DOC freshwater scientist Jane Goodman.

'Fishers are encouraged to only take what they need and to think about the sustainability of the fishery for future generations.

'It's good to see more conservation measures such as planting and fencing off spawning grounds and adult habitat.

'We urge people to contact their local DOC or Regional Council office if they see overhanging culverts or other barriers that stop whitebait migrating,” says Jane.

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

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

DOC administers regulations that cover fishing methods, location, legal fishing times and net size. Illegal whitebaiting carries a maximum fine of $5000 and whitebaiting equipment can be seized.

Pamphlets with the regulations are at DOC offices and sporting shops and DOC's website.

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3 comments

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Posted on 16-08-2016 11:16 | By Bop man

Well heres a thought how about close the seasons for a couple of years let the stocks rebuild.I guess that would be to logical and cause to much drama.


Yeah right

Posted on 16-08-2016 13:23 | By overit

Take what they need I doubt it. You are talking human greed here. I know of freezing workers in Napier who take leave to whitebait and sell what they catch. I agree with you Bopman close the season for a few years, but then I guess the Maoris will question this as to their customary rights.


BOP MANS ONTO IT!

Posted on 16-08-2016 18:15 | By yikes61

Why are whitebait the only fish caught by 'recreational people' allowed to be sold by the side of the road. DOC, Fish and Game and the Govt need to grow some balls, stop everyone catching the youngsters for a good few years and allow stocks to replenish. Its not a right to go white baiting in New Zealand, its a gift that a few are lucky enough to participate in. Allow the stocks to build up to above sustainable biomass levels.Then reopen the season,put limits on catches, make it illegal to sell and future generations will be able to participate and eat fritters between 2 pieces of buttered white bread!


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