Set net fishing campaign

Fisheries officers will be stepping up pressure on recreational fishers who break set net rules this summer.

While the overall compliance rate throughout the country sits at 94 per cent, set nets that don’t meet regulations remain a problem, particularly in the Port Waikato, Kaipara Harbour and Manukau harbour areas.

Fisheries New Zealand regional manager north Andre Espinoza says there are areas around the country that are closed or have restrictions on set netting and fishers need to know and understand this as part of their planning or face the cost of not doing so.

“In October we successfully prosecuted two men who broke every rule possible, including set netting in a prohibition area, no marked surface floats, using poles or stakes to attach it to the seafloor and using a set net that was too close to another set net. This cost them $4500,” Espinoza says.

“We’ve heard all the excuses such as not knowing rules like marking surface floats with your name and contact, or that staking nets onto the seafloor is prohibited.”

There are restrictions around the length and size of the set net, and they cannot be blocking a channel.

Espinoza says one of the best things to do before going fishing is to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app because it has the latest rules for all areas, including closures and gear restrictions.

“If you’re planning to go fishing with a set net and you’re not clear about what you can and can’t do – you’re risking a large fine or in some circumstances, you may find yourself before the court.”

People can report any suspected illegal activity on the 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).