Two men have had their nets, waders and other equipment seized after being caught whitebaiting illegally in Southland.<\/p>\n
The whitebaiting season started on September 1 and ended on October 30.<\/p>\n
However, Southland Police and the Department of Conservation caught the two men in Western Southland during a joint operation on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
Western Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said it was the third enforcement night the join operation had run since the close of the season.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Whitebaiting season ended on October 30, so it is disappointing that we located two men illegally fishing at the Waiau River mouth.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We have seized their whitebaiting fishing equipment and will be referring the incident to the Department of Conservation to consider prosecution action.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I encourage all whitebaiters to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations around fishing activity, in order to avoid any confusion,\u2019\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
The Department of Conservation sets a specific whitebaiting season to protect the threatened native fish species, and ensure the sustainability of the whitebait fishery in New Zealand for future generations.<\/p>\n
A separate whitebaiting season is held in the Chatham Islands from December 1 until the last day of February.<\/p>\n
Snr Sgt Graham urged the community to report any illegal or suspicious activity by calling 111 if it was happening now, or 105 if it was after the fact.<\/p>\n
You can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.<\/p>\n