Meeting to discuss future of fisheries

Changes must be made to the New Zealand recreational fishery to ensure future generations can still bag a decent catch, just as their parents and grandparents did, a leading scientist says.

Dr Randall Bess, alongside think tank The New Zealand Initiative, will take to the stage in Blenheim on Wednesday night to host a public forum about the longevity of recreational fisheries.

Bess will discuss the findings of the initiative’s latest fisheries report, The Future Catch, which suggests changes are needed for the country to remain a ‘‘vibrant fishing nation’’.

‘‘The report’s starting point are the things that should stay the same. We know that fishing is integral to the Kiwi way of life,’’ he said.

‘‘We want to ensure that future generations can still enjoy going out fishing just as their parents and grandparents did. ‘‘But there is a problem. ‘‘If we continue to fish as we are, there will come a day when we cannot make a decent catch anymore. And this is why things need to change.’’

Bess had travelled to inspect the health of recreational fisheries in North America and Australia in the past year.

The series of public meetings would travel around the country in August and September to deliver their findings.

‘‘We invite all fishing sectors to join in our debate. We believe it is vital that fishers from different backgrounds come together and talk with each other rather than about each other,’’ Bess said.

‘‘At the end of this consultation process, we will gather our learnings and release a final report with recommendations to the new Government.

‘‘We all want New Zealand to remain a vibrant fishing nation. But we will need to make changes to achieve this. Join our debate.’’

The Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association urged all local anglers to attend the meeting.

President Peter Watson said a recreational licence had been mooted in a discussion document from the NZ Initiative.

The association was strongly opposed to a licence, he said.

‘‘While a licence was required for freshwater fishing for trout under the fish and game system, saltwater was entirely different since it was a natural resource which just needed sustainable management.

‘‘The recreational public must be vigilant ... as well as considering the options and their ramifications down the track.’’

The public meeting in Blenheim will be held at the Scenic Hotel, 65 Alfred St, tonight from 7pm.