Praise for dobbing in trout poachers

Sharp-eyed locals have been praised by Fish and Game staff for dobbing in poachers harming the district's fisheries.

Eastern Region Fish and Game officer Anthony van Dorp said he and his colleagues were also thankful to the police who had been instrumental in helping catch and prosecute poachers.

One of the most serious incidents was on the day before the new trout season opened on October 1, Mr van Dorp said.

Two Rotorua men were caught allegedly disturbing a spawning stream and attempting to poach spawning trout.

The pair were caught in a joint operation between Fish and Game and a Rotorua police dog team. Police arrested one of the men when it was found he was already wanted for arrest for other offences.

"Would-be poachers take note - this is not the first time we've joined forces and won't be the last - we work extremely well together," Mr van Dorp said.

"On this occasion no trout were seized and it appears their operation was fairly unsophisticated.

"However, this sort of activity can cause huge damage to spawning grounds because freshly laid ova or trout eggs can be damaged or destroyed."

The pair are now facing charges, with one man also facing a count of giving false details.

Mr van Dorp said if it were not for a tip-off from a member of the public, who happened to be passing by at the time, they would not have caught the men.

"It was a case of our '0800 poaching' line working well - thanks to someone who was vigilant and took immediate steps to report what they saw," he said.

In other incidents, three people were caught at different locations along Utuhina Stream.

Those people face further action in relation to a variety of matters, including fishing without a licence and using illegal tackle.

One of them was fishing in an area of the river which is closed during the spawning season to protect trout and their habitat.

Mr van Dorp said the great majority of anglers who turned out on opening weekend last weekend were to be complimented for sticking to the rules. Nearly 1000 anglers' licences were checked last weekend and three people were found to be fishing without current trout fishing licences.

"That's a good compliance rate overall but we can't help thinking how foolish it is to turn out on opening weekend without a fishing licence - when our officers are clearly out in force at all the boat ramps and on the water checking anglers."

Mr van Dorp reminded anglers that Fish and Game would continue to monitor Rotorua's lakes at a variety of locations.

"The great thing is most anglers care for their sport and their resource and do the right thing. They are licensed, check the rules and fish legally, and that is great to see."