The New Zealand Conservation Authority has asked the Department of Conservation to consider controlling the whitebait catch amid widespread concerns over the future of the native species.
Fishing permits or catch limits are two ideas it wants explored, as well as an outright ban of some fishing techniques.
Minutes of the conservation authority's latest meeting reveal it has received requests from several conservation boards and other stakeholders for a "more concerted and focused programme of action".
Members were keen to have a cost-effective monitoring system for the harvesting of whitebait.
Ideas explored include shortening the season, setting catch limits, removing traps from nets, and even an online permit system, which would have strong conditions such as catch data by weight to be provided.