Fishing News index> November 2007

Fishing News

Last month we made mention of a Trout fishing competition to be held in Northland waters that excluded the Kai-Iwi Lakes. This has just been held on Saturday 17th November.
 

Judging by the entries it seems that the regions hardcore freshwater enthusiasts are alive and well.

Excellent weather and normal water levels enabled participants to land trout of varying numbers and sizes of fish of both Brown and Rainbow Trout.

The majority of trout caught came from Northlands newest fishery, Wilson’s Dam, however a reasonable number presented at the weigh in were caught in the rivers and streams from self-sustaining fisheries.

All of the competitors in attendance joined in a BBQ dinner and for the prize giving at the Whau Valley Dam.

The general comment from anglers was that enjoyed the competitiveness and are very much looking forward to another event in 2008

These types of events not only provide a competitive spirit amongst anglers but also serve to give Fish & Game Managers a real time picture of how the fishery is performing.

On a serious note.

Most New Zealanders will have heard of the country's expanding Dairy farming industry and the future development of this food production Co-operative.

This is excellent news for the countries long-term financial wellbeing, but can have devastating effects on the receiving environment if unchecked and unregulated.

The dairying industry has in the past had a negative impact on our countries waterways and this has proven to be detrimental to our public angling resources.

Is there cause for concern?  Absolutely!  New Zealand is facing a crisis from within if regulatory bodies and local government don’t address the environmental effects issues from this industry.

Land zoning is reaching a critical peak as areas previously unsuitable for this activity are now being considered and utilised. 

Underground aquifers in areas with porous soils are already showing signs of nutrient loading and contaminants, which are starting to directly affect rural and urban communities.

New Zealanders pride themselves on our clean green image but just how responsible are we really?

The dairying industry has its place as do many other enterprises and can happily exist with controlled responsible management and some relatively inexpensive measures.

Learning from overseas experiences and regimes is the key, particularly from the experiences from Western Europe. Let’s keep our waters pristine so that our future generations can enjoy what we have.  Just remember!

“Milks great with coffee but not much use without the water”

Until next month.

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