Save rivers campaign by anglers soon

Press, 4 March 1981, Page 11

Save rivers campaign by anglers soon

P A A uc k 1 and Fresh-water recreational groups will launch a national save-the-rivers campaign in Wellington later this month. The campaign has been endorsed by the Federation of Fresh Water Anglers and has the support of the Canoeing Association and the Federated Mountain Clubs, according to the anglers’ president, Mr John Giacon.

The groups would meet at Victoria Universal, on March 28 to decide on a course of action. The hydro-electricity schemes associated with the proposed Aramoana aluminium smelter had given anglers the greatest cause for concern. “We wish to see the reestablishment of' the ' Wildrivers scheme, where certain rivers are declared wild and left untouched,” said Mr. Gia-con.

Where power schemes were approved the anglers would push for the establishment of fish ladders, lifts or by passes to allow fish to move up stream and down streaf past dams.

Hydro-electricity schemes had never made

provision for this in New Zealand although it was common practice overseas..

The anglers also want the Freshwater Fisheries Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to be combined with the Wildlife Division of the Department of Internal Affairs. They' will also launch a campaign against the spread of Chinese, grass carp. “We are very concerned at present about the publicity given to this fish regarding its use for weed control. It is banned in 35 states in the United States as a noxious pest,” said Mr Giacon.

Mr Giacon said that salmon anglers in the South Island were also being threatened by legislation which allowed natural ova to be stripped from streams and used for ocean salmon ranching. Under this practice the salmon was reared in cages at sea and never returned to the river.

The anglers plan to join forces with the Big dame Association, the Underwater Diving Association, and the Anglers and Casting Association to fonn a common lobby for recreational water use.