The NZ Fishing Rules App was designed to help fishers to quickly identify recreational fish species and also give useful information - such as the minimum legal size of catch, maximum daily limits and area bag limits.

The app helps fishers with valuable information on fishing regulations as well as fish identification.

MPI senior communications advisor Jim Flack says the app covers the different rules in each region and once downloaded it can be checked anywhere, anytime.

"In New Zealand 55 per cent of adults own a smartphone, increasing from 20 per cent when the app was launched in 2011," Jim says.

"It represents a growing opportunity for mobile to become a main channel for how people access fish species information in this digital age."

The app comes with a 'report a poacher' link which gives fishers the right contact if and when they witness illegal activities while out and around the water.

The app also has short videos on how to release undersize fish correctly and also how to measure and determine the sex of crayfish.

Peter says potential future developments may include looking at translating the app into other languages, adding more videos, expanding the ‘how-to' section and increasing there partnership with the new Marine Mate app.

MPI have a free-text service for people without smart phones. Jim says fishers can text the name of a fish species like ‘blue cod' to 9889 and receive a reply with the size restriction and information instantly and for free.

The free app is available on iphone, ipad and android.