A map showing the Kapiti Marine Reserve.
A recreational long line found drifting in the Kapiti Marine Reserve highlighted the need for people to anchor their lines as well as set nets, a reserve advocate said.
Ben Knight, chairman of the Guardians of the Kapiti Marine Reserve, said a boatie set their long line to the north of the reserve and could not locate the line when they went to retrieve it.
"According to the person who owned the line, they searched for several hours unaware it had drifted south on the outgoing tide and into the marine reserve."
Jasper Mattila, a local fisherman, diver and member of the guardians group, saw the line first.
"I was out for a fish and spotted the long line clearly inside the reserve to the north of Aeroplane/Tokomapuna Island.
"I cruised over to it for a closer look and took some photos of it and its location, which was well inside the marine reserve boundary.
"I took a photo of the buoy that was attached to the long line and shared it to the Guardians of Kapiti Marine Reserve Facebook group.
"Within a few hours the owner had been located.
"He was very apologetic and explained it had drifted due to his unfamiliarity with the local tidal currents and his use of incorrect anchoring equipment to secure the line.
"I was really surprised to see the long line so far into the marine reserve and guessed that it must have drifted into the area because the tides had been quite big, making the currents stronger and more likely to carry any gear that isn't properly anchored and monitored into the reserve.
"I think it was an honest mistake on behalf of the fisherman involved but that doesn't reduce the damage to the marine life in the reserve that this type of incident can cause which is why its so important that people monitor and manage their fishing gear correctly to prevent this sort of thing happening again."
Mr Knight said with the Department of Conservation no longer having a boat permanently stationed at Kapiti, the local boating community is the first line of defence against this type of incident occurring in the future.
"I congratulate Mr Mattila on his vigilance and prompt action to alert the owner as to the location of the long line.
"It's up to the person setting the fishing gear to ensure that it doesn't drift into the reserve and there are potentially serious legal consequences for the fisherman involved and more importantly for the marine life within the reserve from this type of incident.
"Lost or ghost fishing gear continues to catch and kill marine life long after it has been lost, which is a huge waste of our natural resources.
"I would strongly encourage anyone who fishes with set nets or long lines to inform themselves of their responsibilities and to ensure they use adequate anchoring equipment and take into account current strength and direction when setting fishing gear.
"They should also observe an adequate buffer zone between their fishing gear and the marine reserve boundaries.
"This incident highlights the importance and value of the Guardians of the Kapiti Marine Reserve network who are the eyes and ears on the water.
"This is a good example of community based marine reserve compliance in action."
To report suspicious fishing activities in the marine reserve call the DoC hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
- For more info on long line and set net regulations see www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/fishing/fishing-methods/