Fears Expressed For Lake Ellesmere Fish

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30234, 12 September 1963, Page 16

Fears Expressed For Lake Ellesmere Fish

Fears that the proposed delicensing of the fishing industry would result in a big increase in fishermen netting tor flounders in Lake Ellesmere were expressed at last evening’s meeting of the council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. It was considered that the increased netting would be detrimental to acclimatised fish in the lake. After discussion it was decided that the society write to the Minister of Marine (Mir Gerard) asking that measures be taken to prevent any increase in the number of nets on the lake. Under the new regulations for the delicensing of commercial fishing, those

fishing for flounders in the lake would only be required to obtain a permit to sell the fl,sh and to register their boat. The regulations have still to be gazetted. Reclassing Sought

Members of the council were told that representations had been made to the Government, after the announcement of the proposals for delicensing, to have Lake Ellesmere classed as an inland water. Mr G. Ferris said the lake was unique in being an inland water but also containing sea fish.

Mr W. L. Donald said he feared there would be a big increase in the number of nets on the lake with the changed policy. This would be detrimental alike to commercial fishermen, anglers, and the society’s interests.

Mr W. H. Robinson said that in the interests of acclimatised fish in the lake, the number of permits to net for flounders should be limited to about 40 or 5Q fishermen. “We have tried to get this for years, but have not been successful,” said Mr Donald. He said there were 32 commercial fishermen licensed to fish in the lake at present.

Mr G. Mugford said the society’s job was to safeguard ’ acclimatised fish and see that licence-holders did their job and did not take trout caught .in their nets Mr Donald explained that the efforts to reduce the number of nets on the lake would not affect amateur fishermen.' who were not concerned in the sale of flounders. Mr Robinson suggested that the society write to the Marine Department expressing concern at the increased pressure that would k be brought to bear on acclimatised fish if unlimited permits to net flounders were issued.