Fish and Game has great year

The Otago Fish and Game Council has posted an $87,772 surplus, making it the "cash cow" of its counterparts across the country, chairman Monty Wright told the annual meeting in Dunedin yesterday.

Mr Wright said staff must have credit for the improved performance.

Last year, the council posted a $58,027 deficit.

The improved August 31 year-end position was a "brilliant" reflection of increased angling licence sales. It was testament to staff, including those who ensured anglers had licences, which kept the system "honest".

"We are the top cash cow for the whole country."

The council had an annual turnover of about $1.8 million and paid levies of $658,364 to New Zealand Fish and Game for advocacy and nationwide co-ordination.

"Otago angling licence sales held up well during the year and game sales showed a pleasing increase in the adult whole season category."

The council planned to simplify its licence sales procedures.

"My council is especially supportive of more liberal conditions on family angling licences and the reintroduction of the family game licence."

In his report, Mr Wright said the main issues for the council were building relationships with farmers in the wake of the Government's decision to take Canada geese off the game-bird schedule; protecting the Nevis River fishery from hydro development, an issue which was in the Environment Court; declining water quality and minimum flow settings; clarifying land access issues; and wetland loss.

Declining water quality was a serious problem which needed constant information-sharing from anglers and hunters, Mr Wright said.

- eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz