Poachers warned to beware

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 693, 1 July 1997, Page 9

Poachers warned to beware

At present most of the trout angling waters in the Ruapehu region are closed tor the spawning season. But the Fish and Game Council has recently had a number of reports of people poaching trout. According to fish and game officer Greg Lydon these people risk huge fines under the Conservation Act. "There are many reasons why people are crazy if they try to catch spawning trout. One is that the maximum fine is $10,000. The courts view this illegal behaviour very seriously because a river fishery can be totally ruined by the actions of a selfish few. When spawning trout are killed, the river is without the parents of future trout. Only the most dominant trout successfully lay their eggs and when you remove them, you remove the future generations".

"It is also a stupid act because spawning fish do not taste good because the females are full of eggs and the males are in poor condition from not feeding and from fighting for territory and building the gravel reads, which are the nests where the eggs will be laid." "If you live near a river or stream which has rainbow or brown trout in it, then please help us by keeping a look out for suspicious activity especially at night," asks • Greg. "Poachers use spotlights or torches which can be seen from a distance. We need to know immediately so either ring the local police station or our local Fish and Game Ranger, Chris Bright on 385-4784. Remember to write down the registration, number of cars parked next to the stream at this time."