Fishing offences reduce by over half

Central South Island Fish & Game Council is highlighting improved angling compliance at the Mackenzie Basin hydro canal fishery.

The improvement has aligned with an increase in ranging and compliance activities this fishing season.

Fish & Game rangers have encountered 16 anglers committing offences since the start of the current fishing season in October 2024 at the Mackenzie hydro canals.

Fifty offending anglers were encountered in the same period during the previous season.

In a statement Central South Island Fish & Game chief executive Steve McKnight said the reduction in offenders has come at a time when increased resourcing had been put towards ensuring anglers were licensed and sticking to the regulations.

"Our council recognises the value of the internationally renowned canal fishery to anglers and the local community and has increased its ranging capability to aid in supporting the fishery’s sustainability.

"Rangers have increased angling compliance checks by 20% this season.

"We believe the increased ranger presence at the canals and publicising successful prosecutions of offenders may have has served as a tangible deterrent to would-be offenders."

In March 2025 Central South Island Fish & Game prosecuted angler Terepoitirere Pita for fishing without a licence at the Ōhau B Canal.

Mr Pita was convicted of fishing without a licence and fines and costs totalled $800.

All anglers fishing for sports fish including trout, salmon and redfin perch in freshwater are required under the Conservation Act 1987 to obtain a sports fishing licence and adhere to the sports fishing regulations. 

— APL