Set netters have been at work on beaches monitored by Auckland Council over summer. These bronze whaler sharks and stingray were among the by-catch, left behind at Hatfields Beach.
Emails are rolling into Auckland Council from people concerned about set netting at local beaches.
Since monitoring of Hatfields Beach and Matakatia began on December 20, council has received 47 emails to its set netting email address, which was published in the December 16 edition of Hibiscus Matters.
Nine emails related to set net activities at Matakatia and four concerned Hatfields Beach.
Among those sending in photos and observations were a Hatfields Beach resident who saw four people pull in a net during a storm, leaving three dead bronze whaler sharks and a stingray behind.
Another resident, Jose King of Matakatia, wants more controls imposed on set netters and says she has noticed an increase in the practice this summer in Matakatia and Hobbs Bay.
She has seen nets put out seven times by boats around Frenchman’s Cap. Over the same period activities such as swimming, water skiing, jetskiing, kayaking and line fishing were taking place in the same part of the bay.
“I have informed Auckland Council and was told that our bays are not a recreational area!” Jose says.
The monitoring period continues until March 31. Residents who observe set netting issues or wish to voice concerns about the practice causing a nuisance can contact Auckland Council by email on setnet@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Photos need to be recent and preferably date stamped.
