'We're tired of the same old excuses': Set net fishers put on notice

Fishery Officers carried over nearly 13,000 recreational catch inspections over summer, with compliance at almost 94%.

However Director of Fisheries Compliance Steve Ham said they continue to be frustrated by multiple offenses regarding set nets.

“It is to the point that there are not many patrols our staff are doing where they are not coming back with a net.”

A recent seizure included finding a car battery being used as an anchor (pictured below), a decoy duck being used to hide a set net and staked set nets which left fish dead and out of the water. 

“If nets are staked into the earth, that is illegal, while floats and buoys are required to have a name, initials and a phone number on them,” explained Ham.

“Another big [issue] that we come across really regularly is people setting them directly across channels. You can't take up more than a quarter of a channel out of respect for other water users.”

Adding to Ham’s frustration is the ease in which he says fishers can check fishing rules around the country.

“With the New Zealand Fishing Rules app and the Fisheries New Zealand website, the rules are literally at your fingertips.” 

“We've heard every excuse under the sun. We have done a lot of publicity, there has been good coverage and access to those rules and education for people is readily available.”

Ham has a definitive message for those who choose to ignore repeated requests for compliance.

“Fishers can expect that if they haven't followed the rules with those nets, they may turn up and their nets will be gone.”

Image: Three recently recovered illegal set nets, with a volleyball as a buoy and a car battery as a weight (provided)