Anglers' forum supports trout bag decrease

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 355, 25 September 1990, Page 5

Anglers' forum supports trout bag decrease

More than 150 anglers packed the Turangi Senior Citizen's Hall recently to take part in a forum on the Taupo trout fisherv.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) called the meeting to discuss the results of recent research and surveys and future management issues and planning. A feature of the day was a presentation by Dr Martin Cryer of the results of his just completed study of trout production in Lake Taupo. This was the first comprehensive project aimed at measuring the number of trout in the fishery. DOC is also carrying out a survey of the annual catch of fish from Lake Taupo and the Tongariro River. This study will complement Dr Cryer's work by show- • ing the relationship between the number of fish available and the number actually caught. Indications are that both production and catch are lower than previously thought. There appears to have been a decline in both these areas in recent years, bearing out the perceptions of many anglers. The proportion of the total legal-sized population caught by anglers is very high - in excess of 50 percent. Causes unclear While the causes of the recent decline in trout numbers are not yet clear it does appear that natural climatic events, especially the incidence of summer floods in the tributary rivers, play a significant part. Because trout become more vulnerable to capture as their numbers decline, the effects of fishing pressure are compounded as the population falls. DOC Fishery Manager John Gibbs stressed that while there was a need to further control the catch, the fishery was in no immediate danger and panic measures were not called for. In keeping with the objective of maintaining the longterm sustained use of

such a valuable recreational resource, DOC was preparing a draft management plan. Individual anglers and clubs, as well as commercial interests and the general public, would have the opportunity to comment on and contribute to the plan. The Director of Resource Use and Recreation in DOC Head Office, Allan Ross, told the meeting that a committee would shortly be established to advise the department on management of the fishery. Members would be nominated by the four local angling clubs, the Professional Fishing Guides' Association and the Lake Taupo Commercial Launchmen's Association. A further person would be appointed to represent national angling interests. A number of issues of concern were raised by people at the meeting. The effect of the operation of the Tongariro power scheme on river flows and trout numbers was highlighted by many. Crowded conditions on the rivers, the impact of catfish on the trout population, poaching and conflicting angling methods also received considerable discussion. Catches declined Most anglers present felt that their catches had declined in recent years and there was widespread agreement that the number of trout taken from the fishery should be reduced. Data produced by DOC indicated the effect on angling catches and the trout population of reducing daily limits and increasing minimum fish size limits. The number of trout killed would be reduced by about one fifth if the present eight fish daily limit was altered to four. This would affect the

catches of only two percent of anglers. Ninety people at the meeting responded to a questionaire seeking their views on whether daily catch limits should be reduced or not, and whether there should be an increase in the minimum size of fish allowed to be kept. These anglers were unanimous that there should be a reduction in the current daily limit. More than 85 percent

wished to see a limit of four fish or fewer. There was also strong support for an increase in the minimum size limit. John Gibbs said he was very pleased with the attendance at the forum and the positive nature of the discussions. It was gratifying to see the willingness of purely recreational anglers, as well as fishing guides and charter boat operators to recommend restrictions on their own

catch in the interests of the long-term conservation of the fishery. Any changes necessary once DOC completes its current series of surveys are likely to be introduced for the start of the next fishing season in July 1991. If there was major change in the fishery status in the meantime however, there are provisions in the Conservation Act to allow restrictions to be brought in sooner.