Dead penguin sparks illegal net warning

This blue penguin died in an illegal set net in Tutukaka, prompting a warning from authorities. Photo / Supplied

The death of a blue penguin in an illegally set net at Tutukaka has prompted a warning from authorities about the dangers of set nets.

The Ministry for Primary Industries said set nets catch more than fish after finding a dead little blue penguin in an illegally set net in Tutukaka on Friday.

Fishery officers got a call on Friday morning from a concerned local in Tutukaka about a net set across an entire channel, then left high and dry by an outgoing tide.

Fishery officers removed a number of spoiled fish and a dead little blue penguin from the net. It is likely the little blue penguin was trying to get the netted fish, became entangled and drowned, MPI district compliance manager Stephen Rudsdale said.

Mr Rudsdale said anyone using a set net should be aware of the recreational rules that apply and their responsibility not to waste fish or kill protected wildlife.

"People using set nets need to remember they catch more than just fish. Penguins, shags, dolphins and seals can all find their way into a set net and drown.

"We recommend people stay with their net if possible to help avoid other animals getting caught," he said.

Mr Rudsdale said fishery officers had noticed an increasing number of illegally set nets in the past few months and was reminding fishers of the rules, which included "set nets must not cover more than one quarter of any waterway, set nets must not be left to strand fish by the falling tide and set nets must have surface floats at each end, clearly marked with a surname and initial (MPI recommends a phone number)".

For information on set netting visit www.mpi.govt.nz, call the Whangarei MPI office 09470 0580 or download the free fisheries "app" by texting the word "app" to 9889.

-If you see any suspicious fishing activity call 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76 224).