Protect your patch when whitebaiting
More info
It’s that time of year when whitebaiters lower their nets into the water and the smell of the seasonal delicacy is soon wafting out of a frypan.
With the onset of whitebaiting season on August 15 also comes the increased risk of spreading aquatic pest plants and fish from one river to another.
So whitebaiters are reminded to protect their patch.
‘‘If you’re out there this year, just be aware that exotic fish species and exotic plants can be moved between waterways if you don’t check, clean and dry your gear,’’ Taranaki Regional Council’s environment services manager Steve Ellis said.
The spread of nasties like didymo, hornwort, oxygen weed and gambusia (formerly known as mosquito fish) is a significant issue.
People can help by keeping their patch safe by using the Check, Clean and Dry process to wash anything that’s been in contact with the water.
CHECK - Check everything that has been in the water for debris or plant matter. This could be nets, waders, dogs, car and trailer tyres, jet boat grates, boat propellers, bilge pumps, outboard motors, intakes, Whitebait nets should not:
❚ Have a mouth larger than 4.5m measured on the inside of the net frame.
❚ Have framing material that is wider than 120mm.
❚ Be longer than 3.5 m in length. No fishing gear should:
❚ Exceed more than one-third of the water channel width.
❚ Be used in conjunction with another person to exceed more than one-third of the channel width.
❚ Include screens exceeding 3 m in length.
Source: Department of Conservation.
mats and carpets.
CLEAN - Soak the items or scrub them with detergent (five per cent detergent in water or two per cent household bleach in water) for at least one minute, getting them fully wet.
DRY - If you’re not moving to another waterway for a few days, thoroughly dry your items inside and out, and leave them for 48 hours to ensure that any pests are dead.
For more details go mpi.govt.nz. to