'Feed of fish' denied

Warren Lewis
Warren Lewis
A basic right of every New Zealander to put a dinghy in the sea to get a "feed of fish" will be denied by new measures to protect threatened dolphins, Dunedin recreational fishing advocates say.

The measures announced on Thursday by Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton ban set-netting to four nautical miles offshore along much of the South Island's east coast from October.

"It effectively denies inshore fishing to many. It denies a pastime many enjoy, of going out to catch a feed of fish," recreational fishing advocate Warren Lewis said.

The Recreational Marine Fishing Advisory Council, of which Mr Lewis and fellow advocate Ted Young were members, had implemented sound policies over the years to avoid accidental capture of dolphins and spent thousands of hours preparing submissions on the draft threat management plan, Mr Lewis said.

"It's an absolute kick in the guts. We've led the way, been proactive, but unfortunately we've been pushed aside. It's very distressing."

The advisory council represented the interests of the recreational fishing public, yet the minister had "effectively ignored" their advice.

There had only been two Hector's dolphins caught by commercial fishermen along the Otago coast, Mr Lewis said.

There were certain species of fish that could only be caught by set nets inshore so the measures would mean an end of the access to that fishery and put more pressure on areas where it could still take place.

"He's [Mr Anderton] used a sledgehammer."

Mr Young said the measures would affect fishing villages along Otago's coast and mean those used to "popping their dinghy into the water and putting a net out for a feed fish" would now have to go to the shop and pay for it.

"It's denying the basic right associated with our way of life."

The measures showed the fishermen's advice had "not made a blind bit of difference", Mr Young said.

Fishermen had been made to appear the main threat to the dolphins but they were just as much at threat from disease and predators like sharks and large sea lions.

They supported their commercial fishing counterparts who were considering their options yesterday.

Commercial Fishing Federation chief executive Peter Dawson said the federation was in a "limbo state" while it waited for more details on the "extremely vague" measures and what the proposed marine mammal sanctuaries would mean to the commercial sector.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said a lot of information and advice was considered as part of the decision-making process on the issue.

The input of recreational fishermen was part of it and was taken into account - not ignored, he said.

"I am well aware of the significant impact it's going to have on the lives of many people, including recreational and commercial fishers.

"I regret that, but the future existence of an entire species of dolphin is at risk. It's happening on my watch and I feel some measures have to be taken to try to prevent it," he said.

 

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