Inquiry into hatchery attack closed

POLICE have closed an investigation into the second alleged attack on a Dunedin salmon hatchery this year, citing a lack of forensic evidence.

When a tank at the Dunedin Community Salmon Trust’s Sawyers Bay hatchery was checked on May 15, it was discovered an aerator had been unplugged, killing more than $20,000 worth of salmon.

The incident came after the facility was broken into in January and the aerators switched off, killing about 200 salmon worth $30,000.

Police have made no arrests in connection with the incidents.

A police spokeswoman said the investigation had been filed because ‘‘no forensic evidence was obtained which would enable us to identify an offender’’.

‘‘We would of course look at it again if new information came to light,’’ she added.

Fishing and marine science experts spoken to by the Otago Daily Times were unable to shed light on a possible motive for the alleged attacks.

They also did not think there were any serious or widespread objections to the hatchery’s activities on environmental grounds, as salmon were wellestablished in the harbour and had coexisted with native species for decades.

Dunedin Community Salmon Trust chairman Steve Bennett said anyone who had a problem with the trust’s operations should talk to him before sabotaging the hatchery.

‘‘If somebody’s got a problem with it come and talk to me . . . or email it to me anonymously.’’

Asked if it could be an inside job or the work of a disgruntled former employee, Mr Bennett said the volunteerrun operation ‘‘doesn’t have any former employees’’.

‘‘We’ve never paid anybody.’’

He suspected the vandal had wiped down the aerator after unplugging the unit.

The alleged offender appeared to have a ‘‘bit of prior knowledge,’’ of how the facility worked, he said.

Dunedin police (03) 4714800, Crimestoppers 0800555111.