With the fishing season opening in just a few days, anglers are being warned not to eat trout from caught where the Department of Conservation is conducting 1080 poisoning operations.

In response to publicly expressed concerns by the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers, and supported by Fish & Game New Zealand, DOC commissioned research by the independent Cawthron Research Institute on the risks of mice carrying sub-lethal levels of 1080, and which are routinely consumed by trout, becoming a food safety risk for humans.

People are being advised not to eat trout caught in areas where the 1080 oepration is being conducted around the country.

Chief executive of Fish & Game New Zealand, Bryce Johnson says the results indicate that, 1080 levels in trout flesh were significantly in excess of recognised Food Safety guidelines, for safe human health.

'DOC is now having to advise anglers not to eat trout caught in 1080 poisoned catchments, until advised otherwise.”

The massive 1080 operation being conducted by DOC is in response to the anticipated ‘mouse plague' caused by the cyclic production of beech seeds in native forests, for which this year is a high point.

'While we understand why DOC is doing this, the findings from this recent research has added a very significant and concerning new dimension to the 1080 debate,” says Bryce.

Fish & Game also believe the ramifications of this extend well beyond just the poison sites.

Bryce is pleased DOC has investigated the anglers concerns, accepted the research findings and has taken the lead in managing the consequences.

While he realises the timing, so close to the season opening is unfortunate, Bryce says his organisation has been left with no choice but to support this advisory from DOC, and adds that 'further research to more closely simulate the natural, wild environment is needed to provide, a more accurate picture of the risks”.

'Fish and game is not saying don't go fishing in the back country, just don't eat the fish.”