Whitebaiters fume as poachers hit coast

Robert Harry (left) and son Nathan prepare their whitebait net for the start of the new season. Photo / Simon Baker

Whitebait fanciers are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season tomorrow, but poachers have already been out trying to cash in on the public demand.

The delicacy, which has in the past brought fishermen to blows over the best fishing spots, can legally be caught from tomorrow in all parts of the country except the South Island's West Coast.

The season on the West Coast, considered the best region in the country for whitebaiting, starts a couple of weeks later, to try to conserve whitebait numbers. To the consternation of law-abiding whitebaiters on the coast, there have been reports of poachers over the last fortnight.

Jim Bushby, president of the West Coast Whitebaiters Association, said the poachers were often sophisticated, hiding nets in bush near rivers, and using lookouts and walkie talkies to alert them to the risk of being spotted.

"It's a pretty quick and slick operation. It doesn't take much [for them] to disappear into the bush," Mr Bushby said.

"One of the problems we have here is there is quite an opportunity for poachers to ship whitebait off the West Coast, pre-season ... to sell it over the hill [in Christchurch] ... and gain a premium price."

He said it had been going on for several years and the Department of Conservation (DoC) was well aware of it.

Mr Bushby said a helicopter had been used effectively to monitor the rivers and deter poachers.

A DoC West Coast spokesman, Ted Brennan, said jet boats, kayaks, and 4x4s were also used for enforcement.

"One useful means of combating poaching is for people to immediately report illegal incidents as they see these happening to the nearest DoC office so that prompt action can be taken ," Mr Brennan said.

Mr Bushby expects the usual influx of outsiders to the West Coast to try their hand this season.

"I think it's the pristine water here. It's a beautiful environment ... and it's just the unique experience to be able to get out there on the riverbank and to catch your own feed of whitebait. And, of course, they do taste best if they are fresh."

THE RULES

* The whitebaiting season for most of New Zealand runs from August 15 to November 30.
* On the West Coast it is September 1 to November 14.
* Any whitebaiter who breaches the fishing regulations can be fined up to $5000.