One long-time angler is voicing concerns about being locked out of Lake Heron.
By Jonathan Leask, Local Democracy Reporter
Fish & Game is consulting the public on potential rule changes to manage the catch of sub-adult lake-type salmon at Lake Heron.
The options, which may impact both trout and salmon anglers at Lake Heron, include reducing the daily bag limit for salmon or a temporary closure of the fishery to trout and salmon fishing.
Lake Heron is a distinctive salmon fishery that provides a popular fishery of sub-adult lake-type salmon.
After rearing in the lake for 2-4 years, lake-type salmon migrate to the Pacific Ocean and return to Lake Heron as adult sea-run salmon to spawn in a tributary stream.
Although the sea-run salmon populations of Canterbury are at critically low levels, the salmon numbers returning to spawn in the Lake Heron tributary remain stable.
Angler Brett Colgan, who also manages Outdoor Access, has reservations about potential regulatory changes to the sea-run salmon fishery.
Colgan said the discussion on changes is being driven by unrest around the sear-run salmon population.
He said reducing the catch out of Lake Heron to improve the Rakaia Salmon run wasn't likely to fix a wider problem.
"I just don’t agree with it," Colgan said.
"All rivers across Canterbury are facing population decline.
"If it was just the Rakaia fishery that was struggling, then sure you would have to go heavy handed on it, but when all rivers across Canterbury are facing the same issues and reductions in sea-run salmon, its not just the Lake Heron topic."
He said the spawning population at Lake Heron is "bucking the trends by remaining stable, while all the other areas have been declining".
Because of the stability he believes reducing the catch raises concerns if the stream can handle larger spawning numbers he said.
He opposes shutting people out of Lake Heron "just to try and achieve something that might not work".
"A full closure won’t make the impact people think it is. By closing the lake you’ll do more harm than good.
"I’d be happy with a daily catch reduction, and maybe using single hooks only."
He said as salmon population survival is driven by ocean conditions, the more pressing piece of work from Fish and Game is an ocean study that could provide more answers on the declining numbers.
Central South Island Fish & Game Council Chief Executive, Steve McKnight was unavailable for response.
Fish and Game is asking for feedback on the rule change options, with the consultation closing on January 30.
Hunting and Fishing Minister and Rangitata MP James Meager said he has been interested in the state of the fishery on the Rakaia for a while and has met with a number of anglers and advocates on this issue.
"I’ve asked Fish & Game to actively look at steps we can take to improve the fishery and would encourage all anglers and interested members of the community to have their say on sea-run salmon.
"Fish & Game have been clear that we are facing a critical moment for our sea-run salmon fishery, and it’s important that the views of any potentially impacted parties are heard, to assist in any future decisions made on its management."
- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a spate of shark attacks, more bad weather to come, and Prince Harry’s back at court. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME