“This year we’re encouraging whitebaiters to think about safety. Whether you are scooping for whitebait in the surf, parked up on the riverbank, or whitebaiting from a stand, it’s important to be water safe.”
DoC’s safety tips include -
- Don’t fish from wet rocks – waves are likely to wash over them.
- Wear a life jacket and wader belt.
- Carry two waterproof communication devices at all times, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag, a VHF radio, or a distress beacon.
- Fish with a mate who knows the area and share any plans and expected time of return with a trusted person. Ask them to look for you at your expected location and to call 111 if you don’t return.
“Whitebaiting can be dangerous,” Funnell said. “Between 2019 to 2023, four people drowned while whitebaiting. These preventable deaths occurred in both the South and North Islands, and none of the victims were wearing lifejackets.
“Biosecurity is another consideration for whitebaiters. No matter where you whitebait, be sure to follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s updated ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ advice.
“Four of the six species fished as whitebait are either threatened or at risk of extinction. By following the whitebaiting rules and ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ advice, you’re helping take the pressure off whitebait species and their habitat.”
Email whitebait@doc.govt.nz for brochures summarising the whitebaiting regulations.
Whitebaiting rules are available at www.doc.govt.nz/whitebaiting.
