Environment Southland compliance manager Simon Mapp gives an update on the Whitebait season.

It’s not long now until 15 August, when the whitebaiting season will begin for most of New Zealand.

Our whitebait stand inspections are happening again this year, and the compliance team will be looking at the structures in the rivers.

We don’t control the fishing, which is managed by the Department of Conservation, or the huts on the river bank, which are Southland District Council’s responsibility.

Instead, Environment Southland regulates and manages the permissions to occupy river banks with whitebait stands.

It also has the responsibility to ensure the maintenance of waterways that contain the different life stages of whitebait.

Our last inspections found that most structures were complying with our regulations.

We do ask for people to ensure their stand numbers are clearly visible, to keep their stand in good repair, and report any illegal stands.

Many whitebaiters are carrying out repairs after the winter break, in preparation for the season.

If you’re finding that the riverbank has eroded around your stand, it’s a good idea to look at our “Whitebaiters' Rough Guide to Environment Southland's rules” online – this states the things you can do without a consent, and what kind of work requires a consent from us.

If you haven’t visited our website yet, I encourage you to do so – www.es.govt.nz/whitebait includes science reports and surveys about whitebait in Southland, GIS maps of all stands, plus all the relevant rules and forms.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us on 0800 76 88 45. I wish you a safe whitebaiting season, and look forward to meeting you out on the water.