Whitebaiter James Mitchell is one of those who believes making the Haast River a ‘‘whitebait refuge’’ would not go smoothly. PHOTOS: MARK PRICE : Coasters maintain they take the bait

John Hewer : Coasters maintain they take the bait

Waiatoto River, South Westland. : Coasters maintain they take the bait

Forty years of whitebaiting would end for Naomi and Peter Bloxham (front) if the Waiatoto River became a whitebait refuge. They are pictured with Rudy Dykgraaf (rear) and Rose Matenga, all of Wyndham. : Coasters maintain they take the bait

James Mitchell : Coasters maintain they take the bait