Many Kiwis have fond memories of biting into a patty with the carefully considered ratio of egg, whitebait, and Watties tomato sauce. But future opportunities to indulge in this delicious snack may be few and far between if whitebait management rules are enforced.
According to the Improving Whitebait Management discussion document released by the Department of Conservation, four of six whitebait species are at risk of extinction or are under threat. DOC wants to see whitebait numbers flourish and maintain a “healthy fishery long-term,” which means new regulations may come into play.
The proposal for whitebait management includes standardising the rules for whitebaiting, including limits, creating refuges for populations to flourish, and phasing out whitebait export.
Southland Fish and Game Councillor Ken Cochrane is one of many disgruntled whitebaiters who believes DOC is against the practice of whitebaiting. At a recent Southland whitebaiters meeting in Invercargill last weekend, he said whitebaiters felt ripped off, victimised, and not listened to.
Submissions for the proposal were due to close on March 2, 2020, but the deadline has been extended until March 16 to ensure all whitebaiters can have their say.
Have your say, head to https://www.doc.govt.nz/whitebait-management for more information on the proposals and how to provide feedback.