Survey nets disappear overnight from stream

One of the remaining fine mesh survey nets after two similar ones were taken from a stream in Havelock North earlier this week.

A set of fish survey "fyke" nets worth more than $1000 were stolen within 12 hours of being set at a stream near Keirunga Gardens in Havelock North on Sunday night.

"I was a bit shocked to be honest," Triplefin Environmental Consulting director Shade Smith said. "We've been carrying out surveys all over Hawke's Bay and this is the first time anything like this has happened."

The nets belonged to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council which contracted Triplefin to carry out a major programme as part of compiling a characterisation of the region's waterways. The survey of fish in the waterways was part of the wider assessment of habitats and water quality.

Mr Smith said three coarse mesh nets, each valued around $70, had been installed along with two fine mesh nets which would cost about $400 each to replace.

They were put in, secured by strong wooden stakes, about 8.30pm on Sunday as the conditions at that time of the day, and the nocturnal habits of small fish and eels, made it practical. Ironically, they were also put in for an overnight session so that they would not be seen and become a temptation for someone to take them.

He carried out a quick canvas of the immediate neighbourhood around Tanner St and Keirunga Rd without any luck. "They take about an hour to put in and take out and I doubt it would be children because they wouldn't have been able to get the stakes out."

While the coarse mesh nets could be used by a recreational fisher, the fine mesh were of no real use - except for survey work.

Mr Smith said there was the possibility a resident in the area may have spotted them and took umbrage at someone "fishing" in the waterway. "Not knowing we were doing a survey - someone may have taken them away."

He said the theft would hinder the summer surveys being carried out.

Mr Smith said he would like to hear from anyone knowing the whereabouts of the nets.