Four local men were caught illegally whitebaiting at the Waiau River mouth last night (15 Oct).

Officers discovered the men were discovered fishing outside of the regulated hours, while conducting compliance checks as part of Operation Inaka - a joint operation between Police, the Department of Conservation, Fisheries New Zealand, and Te Rūnaka o Ōraka-Aparima.

Western Southland Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said the men's nets were seized, and they would now face enforcement by the Department of Conservation.

Penalties for people found illegally fishing whitebait can include having their fishing equipment seized and possibly destructed, while any whitebait caught would be returned to the river. They can also face a $400 fine or court prosecution.

Graham said the aim of the operation was to target and apprehend offenders who were partaking in illegal activity by fishing outside the legal fishing hours, participating in anti-social behaviours, or driving impaired.

“Although this is a disappointing result, previous compliance checks on Sunday 18 August resulted in no issues and Police did not observe anyone illegally fishing before the beginning of the whitebaiting season on 1 September."

“To avoid any confusion, we encourage all whitebaiters to educate themselves on the rules and regulations to ensure their 2024 whitebaiting season goes swimmingly,” he said.

Department of Conservation Operations Manager, Murihiku District John McCarroll said it was important for all whitebaiters to comply with the whitebait fishing regulations as this would help sustainably manage this precious taonga.

Police and the Department of Conservation will continue to work together over the whitebaiting season to monitor any unlawful fishing, or antisocial behaviour.

The whitebaiting fishing season for New Zealand, the fishing season is between 1 September and 30 October.

For the Chatham Islands, it is from 1 December to the last day of February.

Whitebaiting is only permitted on these days between 5am to 8pm, or 6am to 9pm during New Zealand daylight saving.

Any whitebaiting outside of these times is illegal.

Any illegal or suspicious activity this whitebaiting season should be immediately reported to Police on 111 or call 105 if after the fact. Reports can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

CLICK HERE for more information on whitebaiting.