Whitebaiters urged to stay safe and stick to the rules

The Department of Conservation has urged whitebaiters to take care and stick to the rules once the season starts on September 1. Between 2019 and 2023, four people drowned while whitebaiting in New Zealand, None were wearing lifejackets.

The Department of Conservation has urged whitebaiters to have fun at the river, follow the rules and keep themselves and freshwater habitats safe as the season approaches.

The whitebaiting season begins on September 1 and runs until October 30.

DoC freshwater species manager Emily Funnell said it was always great to see communities enjoying whitebaiting together and catching themselves enough for a feed.

“Whitebaiting is such an important recreational pastime in Aotearoa,” she said.

“The rules are in place to ensure everyone can make the most of the season in a way that’s fair, safe and protects the fishery for future generations.

“This year we’re encouraging whitebaiters to think about safety. Whether you are scooping for whitebait in the surf, parked up on the riverbank, or whitebaiting from a stand, it’s important to be water safe.”

DoC’s safety tips include -

• Don’t fish from wet rocks – waves are likely to wash over them.
• Wear a life jacket and wader belt.
• Carry two waterproof communication devices at all times, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag, a VHF radio, or a distress beacon.
• Fish with a mate who knows the area and share any plans and expected time of return with a trusted person. Ask them to look for you at your expected location and to call 111 if you don’t return.

“Whitebaiting can be dangerous,” Funnell said. “Between 2019 to 2023, four people drowned while whitebaiting. These preventable deaths occurred in both the South and North Islands, and none of the victims were wearing lifejackets.

“Biosecurity is another consideration for whitebaiters. No matter where you whitebait, be sure to follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s updated ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ advice.

“Four of the six species fished as whitebait are either threatened or at risk of extinction. By following the whitebaiting rules and ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ advice, you’re helping take the pressure off whitebait species and their habitat.”

Email whitebait@doc.govt.nz for brochures summarising the whitebaiting regulations.

Whitebaiting rules are available at www.doc.govt.nz/whitebaiting.