As whitebaiters cast their nets on rivers around the country for the start of the season, some are questioning whether the rules governing the threatened species are fit for purpose.
Labour is calling for a review of the fishery, asking whether limits are needed for recreational anglers.
Unlike most high-value seafood, whitebaiters don’t need a commercial fishing license. There’s also no quota system, meaning recreational fisher can keep and sell as much as they catch.
In the past, its popularity has created tension on rivers, as it can prove financially lucrative, selling for $80 a kilo.
Labour’s Oceans and Fisheries spokesperson Rachel Boyack wants the Government to consider an urgent review, arguing the current rules may not adequately protect the threatened species.
"It's a delicacy, but as well as being something that people love to eat, it's actually an important fishery that helps spawn other stocks. It also has important biosecurity elements."
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka told 1News that he wasn’t aware of the concerns.
"No, I haven't heard or seen of that. And the advice that I've been receiving, and certainly not a priority for me, what is a priority for me is making sure we don't get any new taxes," he said.
As well as fishing pressure, the Department of Conservation says the six species that make up the whitebait fishery – īnanga, banded kōkopu, kōaro, giant kōkopu, shortjaw kōkopu and common smelt/paraki – face a range of other threats.
A DOC spokesperson said adult and spawning habitat degradation and loss, poor water quality, and impeded fish passage within river systems are all impacting whitebait.
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