Recreational Fishing forced out

New Zealand Radio News
Published at 6:11pm on 20 July 2008

People who fish as a hobby are being forced out by commercial businesses and Government imposed restrictions, the Recreational Fishing Council says.

The council held its conference and annual general meeting in Gisborne at the weekend.

President Keith Ingram says recreational fishers have been unfairly penalised in recent decisions by the Ministry of Fisheries.
He cites a ban on blue cod fishing in the Marlborough Sounds, and a ban on set netting in many areas to protect endangered dolphin species, as two examples.

Mr Ingram believes the Government wants recreational fishers to have the leftovers of the commercial fishing industry.
According to Ministry of Fisheries figures, about 1.4 million New Zealanders indulge in recreational fishing at least twice a year.
United Future released its policy on recreational fishing at the conference. Leader Peter Dunne says it wants to introduce a body equivalent to the Fish and Game Council to better manage marine recreational fishing areas.

Mr Dunne says it would include recreational fishers so issues such as set netting and the definition of marine reserves can be more broadly represented.