Fishing our birthright say indignant anglers

By ELEANOR BLACK

More than 76,000 anglers are fighting for their right to cast a line in the ocean without a licence.

Submissions against the proposed saltwater fishing licences - and in support of protected zones for recreational fishers - will be made to the Ministry of Fisheries on Wednesday, in a tide of indignation at a Government they say has little interest in managing the fisheries.

Passionate supporters of a proposal called Option 4, a set of principles devoted to putting recreational fishers' interests before those of commercial operators, believe even those who have never baited a hook should have a say.

"This affects all New Zealanders, whether they wish to flick a line into the water or not," says Bob Burstall, of the Recreational Fishing Council. "It's a birthright."

The Option 4 group, of which he is a member, will present a 36-page submission.

"The real thing we're pushing for is to create a priority over and above commercial fishers. Commercial fishers spend between $38 million and $40 million on the management of their resource every year.

"Maori have customary take. The only people who don't have explicit fishing rights are recreational fishers."

Around 1.4 million recreational fishers spend $1 billion a year on their hobby. Option 4 members believe some of that should be spent protecting zones for recreational use rather than introducing a licence system.

Fisheries Minister Pete Hodgson has emphasised the importance of talking through the issues thoroughly with all stakeholders before the ministry reports to the cabinet in March.

Herald Online Marine