Compliance good, but anglers reminded to carry licence

Central South Island Fish & Game is pleased the region’s recent ranging offensive netted only a handful of unlicenced offenders, but is frustrated by the number of anglers ‘Failing to Produce’ their licence upon request - simply not having their licence with them while out fishing.

Around 40 rangers from throughout Otago, Southland and Central South Island Fish & Game regions descended on the Waitaki River and MacKenzie Country fisheries on Sunday 23 March, as the field component of a weekend-long ranger training course.

The co-ordinated event was timed to coincide with the height of the salmon season, Otago Anniversary weekend, and the Maadi Cup rowing regatta near Twizel. Of the 246 anglers checked, seven anglers were found to be fishing without licences.

“This represents a 97% compliance rate which, given the level of activity and number of people in the area, is very satisfactory.” stated Mark Webb, Central South Island Fish & Game field officer.

However, Mr Webb also added that the high incidence of anglers not carrying their licences continues, and several anglers made trips back to cars or huts to retrieve them. “It’s frustrating that the message is not getting through to anglers, but it is a requirement that they carry their licence when on the waterways.”

“Despite the enforcement nature of the work, the vast majority of anglers welcomed the rangers and appreciated the work being done, however, for a few the weekend came with an additional cost which could have been avoided.”

The rangers were split into 9 teams covering the lower Waitaki River, Hydro canals, Lakes’ Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki, and the Ahuriri River.

ENDS

© Scoop Media