The regulations around whitebaiting are changing, starting with the 2021 season. A few highlights below, but if you are a whitebaiter read the whole item at source.
Changes to whitebaiting regulations will improve the sustainability of threatened species, while ensuring that Kiwis can continue the tradition of catching a feed in their local river into the future, Acting Conservation Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall says. …
The planned changes fit with the Government’s manifesto commitment to protect, preserve and restore our natural heritage and biodiversity. They address identified issues and focus on practicality and common sense and follow two years of engagement, including consultation on proposed regulations which attracted over 11,500 submissions. …
Changes will be phased in over three seasons …
2021 season, changes will include:
- Fishing will be prohibited within 20 metres of structures such as weirs and groynes where fish congregate.
- The maximum incursion of fishing gear (excluding stands) into a waterway, will be one-quarter of its width, nationwide.
2022 season, changes will include:
- The season to shorten to 1 Sept – 30 October for all New Zealand
Source: Protecting the whitebait fishery for future generations | Beehive.govt.nz.