The penalty handed down to a Temuka man, who caught trout and salmon in a hydro canal near Twizel to sell illegally, has disappointed the Central South Island Fish and Game Council.
The Timaru District Court sentence on Thursday of 100 hours' community service on Hayden Don (33), sickness beneficiary, was too lenient for what was believed to be the first case of its kind, and would not deter others, council chief executive Jay Graybill said.
Don faced numerous charges laid by the council of selling sports fish to the public over a four-month period last year.
The fish, mostly salmon, were caught on a rod, then smoked and vacuum-packed at a Temuka butchery.
They were then offered for sale by texting cellphone numbers or cold-calling at local businesses. Mr Graybill said the canal held a unique fishery and was possibly the most popular in the country, with plenty of fish and easy access.
''Most people obey the rules and fish in an ethical manner, which is why the [court] decision needed to send the right message,'' he said.
Don's actions were counter to the very purpose of Fish and Game's existence, and were not only contrary to the spirit of sports fishing in New Zealand, but also in blatant breach of fishing regulations.
The sports fish regulations clearly stated: ''every person commits an offence who buys, sells, or has in his or her possession for the purpose of sale any freshwater fish taken in New Zealand''.
Mr Graybill said the New Zealand sports fishery was there for the enjoyment of all New Zealanders and not for the gains, financial or otherwise, of an individual.
Fish and Game would not appeal the decision, but said it would vigilantly police angling behaviour on the canals.
