Man fined again over illegal whitebaiting

Michael Edward Buchanan, 59, pleaded guilty to the two charges in Westport District Court yesterday. Photo / File

A Southland man who operates whitebait stands in Buller has been fined $2060 after whitebaiting illegally and obstructing a ranger.

Michael Edward Buchanan, 59, pleaded guilty to the two charges in Westport District Court yesterday.

DOC lawyer Victoria Tumai said Buchanan was whitebaiting on the Cascade River on October 25 when Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers caught him with his screen set at an angle to his net.

Buchanan then abused a DOC ranger in "extremely obscene terms" to the point the ranger felt unsafe in his presence, Ms Tumai said.

Buchanan had one conviction for breaking the same whitebaiting regulation last year, she said.

Defending, Doug Taffs said the screens had been set in a straight line to the net, but the tide had changed, pushing the screens to an angle. Buchanan didn't notice that had happened, he said.

Buchanan regretted his actions, especially given it was in his best interests to maintain a good relationship with DOC, Mr Taffs said. Buchanan intended to make sure it never happened again, he said.

Judge Tony Couch said he was sure Buchanan had intended the same thing last year.

"I do regard these matters seriously."

Because it was Buchanan's second offence, the penalty was much higher, he said.

For whitebaiting illegally, he fined Buchanan $1000 plus $130 in court costs.

For obstructing a DOC ranger, he fined him $800 plus $130 in court costs.