February 2023 - Issue 209 - The Fishing Paper and Hunting News

Manna from heaven

Johnny Tightlines

Catching John Dory is a thrilling and exciting way to spend a day on the water. Using slow jigging techniques makes it even better. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a adrenaline rush of feeling a line never gets old.

Mana Island, located off the coast of New Zealand, is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life.

John Dory are known for their distinctive spots and is a prized catch. natural movements of small

John Dory, it’s important to

pay attention to the tide and

when they are active. Look for areas where the water is

be sure to use a slow and so be patient and wait for the and head to Mana Island.

catch of a lifetime!

Louisiana dreamin'

“Whatever software you’re afford it” I told Drew the US salesman in an email after visiting their website.

in New Zealand and would some day.

then,” I typed back. One would think that would be the end of it but he emailed

“Hey Ian, could one of our summer and you two could

Anyway, before I could really consider it properly,

the Louisianian lady on the phone, It seemed I was

when I volunteer to do this

Claire arrived at the airport and her bubbly personality turned up very shortly after.

we were off to the Lower

Claire’s fly casting needed a little work but, with a little instruction, she was soon able to cast the Grey Hamills Killer pattern towards the weed beds and under willows.

at the last minute, either

a southern USA drawl was

Ian Hadland

time. Despite assurances that she understood our that some instructions were

After another failed hookup

Her casting was a bit rough around the gills

Claire... Y'all come back now

Claire remarked, “Y’all need to slow down with y’all

Claire was determined to

was probably obvious that I to thread up the soft bait in the process, I heard a yelp over my shoulder and an like someone leaned on a keyboard and read out

When I turned, I could see boisterous animals on both ends of the line. Claire and she was amped. She bobbled about the boat

net and it was hers.

while she sat down and took in the moment—her to the weed bed, she said breathlessly, “I don’t deserve to be here you know Ian, know in the States who have this on their bucket list. I’m

“Well I can’t take all random visitors Claire but I know one person we should send the picture to—Drew. He’ll be worried you have up! “

Albacore trolling— another commercial

Albacore tuna is an important species for all commercial, customary and recreational fishers. It is a highly migratory pelagic species found mainly on the western coasts of the North and South Islands of New Zealand, as well as in the South Pacific Ocean.

Mature fish spawn in tropical and sub-tropical waters, between about 10⁰S and 25⁰S, during the austral summer. Juveniles appear in surface fisheries in New Zealand at one year of age, from where they appear to gradually disperse to the north and migrate south during early summer and north during winter.

The species is not part of the NZ quota management system but it is closely monitored and managed by international and New Zealand fisheries authorities and management groups such as the Tuna Management Association specifically for troll caught albacore in New Zealand waters. The South Pacific albacore stock is the responsibility of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and Fisheries New Zealand.

The Tuna Management Association, which was

formed in 2001, was instrumental in getting the NZ albacore troll fishery

certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in 2011, re-certified in 2016 and again in 2021 (Certification lasts five years and needs to be re-certified on that basis). MSC has a stringent certification and stock assessment process to maintain sustainable fisheries. Many of you would have seen the MSC symbol, the blue fish tick, on many fisheries products. New Zealand has eight major species/ fisheries with MSC certification.

The use of trolling is a low impact method of fishing and the most applicable for a species that is migratory and follows temperature thermoclines in the water column

Roughly 90% of albacore tuna caught in New Zealand is caught using this method. A typical coastal albacore troll vessel is between 1520m in length and the fish is packed fresh into ice and delivered to coastal ports from the north to the south.

The commercial troll method uses 12-18 lines simultaneously from the vessel’s stern and from long outrigger poles mounted amidships. The spacing is controlled to ensure that entanglement does not occur but able to be set at the optimal depth. The lines are either braided polypropylene, Dacron or monofilament

nylon and are hauled in by hand or by hydraulic haulers.

The movement of the barbless lures resemble the rapid movements of small fish in the surface water, which attracts tuna schools thinking they’re prey. There is very minimal interaction with protected species, given the fishing areas and use of un-baited lures.

Tuna is an important source of Omega-3 fats and selenium, and canned tuna is a lean protein. As with other commercially caught fish and shellfish species, they all form an important part of our protein diet.

Source: Sourcing Transparency Platform

Photo Source: Sourcing Transparency Platform

Kapiti fishing blues

During the spring, my mate Andrew took me

to catch a decent feed for

was sunny and the sea was it required some extra

We unhooked the trailer and pushed the boat out

sand bar, then dragged the trailer back to the ute. While Andrew took the trailer up near the sand dunes, I managed to turn the boat around into deeper water.

Soon Andrew was back and expedition, setting course towards Kapiti Island.

unbalanced, with an abundance of kahawai caught and released, it was hard to get through to the reef where the better species hunt. Not for lack of trying, we had berley and strayline rigs, ledger rigs baited and

Eventually, the kahawai stopped biting and the current picked up, moving the baits around to look livelier.

Mike Foothead

Looking at the sounder, we noticed some activity coming under the boat, hard down on the reef. Quickly winding my ledger rig up and sending it back down with baits (squid and pillie) I managed to hook something

the drag set low, trying to and off it went, down a couple metres then back up

again. When it got close enough, I called for Andrew to get the net and, with some impressive net skills, he the gunwales. To my and Andrew’s surprise, it was a 7.2 kg blue warehou. These are very slimy; you could see the slime on this one dripping through the net. Andrew had never caught one before and the look of excitement on his face,

slime covering his boat, was priceless. He wasted no time dropping his line back down and managed to catch his

It was a great morning of the family’s dinner. It’s not often I catch blue warehou down on the reef, but I won’t complain.

Thanks, Andrew, for a

BOOK REVIEW

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Gabriel Zevin

Penguin Random House

Reviewed by A P Crimp

R.R.P $48.00

that captures the aesthetic

The book itself is heavily character driven however, the characters are strongly developed and realistic, the central plot is scattered with personal stories that allow you to get to know them deeply. The title and cover are an ode to the small aspects of this book and a tribute to its characters making for more than just an eye-catching cover by the time you’ve relationship is intricate and

even though you might side with one or the other at times, their dynamic together is what makes the story so enjoyable. The narrative style is predominately simple and straightforward except for one or two moments that take on an abstract/artistic narrative. These are hit or miss but don’t take away from the novel as a whole. The story forces you to slow down and enjoy what you’re reading while simultaneously making you want to read it in one sitting. The term “cozy” has been used lately to describe books, games, tv shows etc. Although this book is realistic and at times sad, it borders the “cozy” happy, comfortable and snug while reading it.

Fussy kingies smash livies

Aaron Johnson

my mate Hamish took me

with clear waters and native bush as far as the eye can see.

we decided to park up by the mussel farms. We baited up, dropped our lines and let Soon, more minutes started

We were down to our last few minutes of patience when suddenly we heard crimson red and knew we’d

It was what we saw past the snapper however, that had us weren’t about to waste any more minutes, so we cut off followed but didn’t bite. no luck, so we decided to head back and feast on some raw snapper.

Live bait was clearly the

toss and as soon as the bait bounced on the water it was

up and ready. Both of us determined to catch one of around. Unluckily, they weren’t into tackle. Cast after cast, lure after lure, bobber after bobber and still no takers.

I decided to try live bait. turned out to be just hard, small kahawai and on the hook he went. Hamish cast it out and within seconds it was on.

Unfortunately, our live more turned out to be catch live bait, we decided

Distance, accuracy and sensitivity are important when targeting trout in the beautiful Tekapo canals. Brad’s choice of 8lb Hyperglide® 13x is ideal for delivering long, smooth casts, allowing you to hit your target with ease.

Abrasion resistant, low visibility Fluorocarbon is strong enough to handle underwater structures like rocks and logs, while providing a ‘stealth factor’ that’s ideal for targeting easily spooked trout.

and a

Sam regularly uses BMax lures when targeting trout. He says they fish well in slow moving pools and eddies, and when the trout are less aggressive on hot sunny days, he can work them enticingly in shady pools where there’s less current.

Brad Snow - 21.4lb rainbow trout 8lb Hyperglide® 13x Braid, 8lb Fluorocarbon and an ‘Orange’ Globug

Blair Whiting - brown trout 8lb Hyperglide® 13x Braid and 6lb Fluorocarbon leader

Sam Boothroyd - brown trout 8lb Hyperglide® 13x Braid, 6lb Fluorocarbon leader

‘Firebelly’ BMax60

Get lost and get found

Abbey Delore

When you get offered a don’t ask what seat—you jump on.

catamaran named Alicat, and Zealand.

When the time came,

the crew set set sail, bound all the elements of a worthy friends and families were able to follow virtually, we provide easy to use satellite

Shaken but not stirred

It’d been REALLY hot.

Greymouth’s temperature reached the highest since strong winds were added to the mix. Followed by an earthquake.

Matey indicated he was on for a trip so, after an aborted attempt due to the winds, we

continued, then it blew anyway.

On the way to the lake there was the usual

information from the murky lake would be shallow and warm so we discussed creeks around Brunner, with little water, so we needed

size, portable, and perfect those back home.

without the weed close to the surface.

We drove on and slipped water and pulled the starter noticed the wee red clip under the rubber shut-off button had detached. Click, back on, pull, roar, off and away.

Luckily, the wind dropped as we tried various spots

Brunner was a metre below its usual level and some possibly from waterfowl, while other places were in weed, which was much closer to the surface than usual. We moved to more a rocky bottom. Yeah, nah.

just after sunrise, calm swells

minutes later, we heard the speed and the splashes, we knew that whatever it was,

felt like a dance. Between

dual props beneath the hull and buckets of forehead idle.

We were in utter disbelief, shocked and absolutely to store what we could to take back to New Zealand and offer a nearby yacht a vast number of steaks,

In all my multi-sport pursuits: air, land, and water, I carry

marlin.

Unfortunately, it had drowned in the battle. After a few attempts at revival, we

crannies.

When the lunch bell tolled, we took a break and it sammies were broken out,

After lunch, we worked

me the ability to always communicate with my landbased crew. Word was sent that a blue marlin had been

continued our journey back, snow-capped mountains of Aotearoa. Adventure remained while knots of wind.

Despite open ocean we never felt isolated, adventure with loved ones at only am I able to be tracked and located if shizzle hits the fan, but the ability to share my adventures with those who could not or would never choose to take part special.

Back at the ramp, some boater,’ left his 4WD and boat on the ramp while he went away to yap with

to use the ramp but chose show how important he was, in his own mind anyway.

Back home, Matey kindly

he’d spent some years as a from him, which he advised stirred.

Abbey decked out for adventure

Lunchtime trout

TrackMe NZ keeps you safe whereever

Shit Happens

The early morning sky is streaked with unusual cloud streak is highlighted with sun. It appears Mother Nature is following health and safety requirements and the day.

maze of forest tracks before

Chilled by an easterly front, rain, it is unseasonably cool.

most of the opportunity it presents.

creature scuttles awkwardly.

panic. It’s a mother duck chase.’ When she thinks loose an airborne shower of shit. Momentum and all that—shit splatters my ute bonnet. Dirty little mother ducker!

Kim Swan

accelerator, roadside rabbits scatter and fat deer startle

will end. cool mountain air. Cool

stuff.’ Over the vest, camera

like a bandit’s bandoleers. Below the road we descend into the deep and dark places. It’s steep here, the utmost respect. So, we pick our way carefully,

has slicked the soil into a and I all descend with claws spread wide and muscles tense.

Way down in the creek

Eventually we work all the way back to the summit

Chop returns but the other one works west, the other of whack and I have two me to support them.

its impenetrable scrub and bluffs and chasms, takes

am I.

down—down in the deep

the tracker. I don’t know where. Nor can I hear her bark. I hurry back to the truck so I can travel further, faster.

Intermittent stops. Here –

me Pearl is still treed. She’s neither here nor there but

Nowhere! Hectic hours pass since

I’ve not heard her once. I sack the tracker’s map

I conclude, I must return to the depths and reduce metres till we are reunited.

I take Chop with me and descend with trepidation,

saturated and sore and now I

hunt for Pearl. down metres but still no sound.

77 metres, 22 metres. Still no sound.

metres, Pearl’s symbol

but my ruckus is swallowed by the wilderness and

closer, the symbol follows a

treed once more.

I’m shattered, sweat-

scrapes and bruises. Alone, for hours, she’d tried so hard. I arrived too late to help. Back to the ute then.

away. Hundreds of metres precipitous obstacle course. Handholds and toeholds,

YOU WANNA TOTALLY ESCAPE STRESS? GET A BOW & ARROW

spent, I’m saturated on the outside, dehydrated on the inside.

metres away a decent-sized

till that last cruel backslide up the loose and rocky

the road to the ute.

into my arms and place

lift myself into the driver’s broken woman, with broken bonnet, is spoiled by duck now baked hard by the noon-day sun.

Heat seeking red

Daniel Crimp

close to the horizon after a

Unbeknown to them, so was I. Cautiously, I picked my

direction so I knew the deer would be skittish and

I spooked deer after deer

they seemed to catch wind and water, it was a honey

hole for deer. Just like most times before, I peered into

Undetected, I sat and

Summer surf ’n’ turf

Zac Costley

What started as a painfully early Saturday morning boys

would end in the early hours of the following Friday with

After a mate convinced me

Saturday was the best way to Bay snapper that were back

all hope was not lost, as Dad

the open not far from me. I towards the deer, just in time

Dad’s blind, where he sat clueless as to where they that’s not how I remember when they appeared. At that moment, silence fell over

echoed up the valley and the deer scattered. After some deliberation, we concluded it was a miss.

towards Dad to console him when, out of the corner of

no time to waste, I rested on the crosshairs behind the shot, then vanished into the bush.

By the time we arrived to where the deer had been

head torches.

the area. Usually used for picked up a path of hot

model

to pick up

we drafted a plan for an trip that set sail from the port

Just like the crew after

once the lines were in the water, morale lifted and the

bin with snapper. I was even

16 pounds—what a day!

son I would take him for his

were set in motion and we headed out to a block in Rai nice red deer for the freezer. After a very small walk from

hind some distance away in the farm’s top paddock.

Creedmoor bowled over

My boy was over the moon freezer full of venison. and massive thanks to Pulsar

Upon inspection, I found my red deer dead, victim of a heart.

thermal, I was super impressed with its ability

small patches of blood and it saved me a lot to shoot.

Fallow hind and Bambi on the feed

The Pulsar Thermal made locating this hind easy

A proud moment for father and son

All smiles for Zac with this pair

• Made in Europe

• Lynred professional sensor

• Fast aperture F/1.0 germanium optics

• Extreme detection range of up to 1800 metres

• Variable magnification

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• A selection of eight colour palettes

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• Zeroing profiles management

• 10 reticle shapes in nine colour modes

• Photo and video recording

• Enhanced WiFi connectivity with 2.4 / 5 GHz

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• Recoil rated up to .375 H&H, 12–Gauge & 9.3x64

• 3 year warranty, 1 year battery warranty

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S M OK IN

Smokin’ Barrels oak smokers don’t suffer from undesirable condensation build-up

COOKING with CRIMPY

Seared pāua eaks

One whole pāua per person

Drop fresh pāua in shells into boiling water for 1-2 minutes.

Remove and immerse in cold water for several minutes. Shuck and clean.

Pat dry and season the top side with a liberal sprinkle of Crimpy’s Woodland Spice Rub.

Heat 2 tbsp rice bran oil over moderate hot heat until shimmering. Add 3 tbsp butter until foaming and fry pāua, topside down first, for 2-3 minutes per side.

Like a fillet steak, they are best medium rare.

Remove to chopping board and rest for five minutes. Slice thinly back into shell and serve.

Ideal accompaniments: wasabi mayonnaise, lime/lemon juice, sweet chilli sauce or crème frâiche.

Crimpy’s Woodland Spice Rub

1 tbsp pink salt

1 tbsp cracked pepper

1 tbsp dried rosemary

2 tsp garlic granules

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

10 dried shitake mushrooms

Put all ingredients in a blender and process to a fine powder.

• Easy to use

• Heaps of space for racks/hooks

• Cold smokes cheeses to nuts to veges etc

• Hot smokes anything

Respect and protect stance for ocean resources led to becoming a Fishery O cer.

Finding the motivation to become a MPI Fishery O cer wasn’t hard for Robyn Gurnsey to muster. She felt a strong connection to the ocean environment and wanted to be part of the bigger picture – ensuring fishery resources are looked after in a way the next generation could be proud of.

Robyn Gurnsey is based in Kaikōura at the top of the South Island, but her early days were spent growing up and living on the East coast of the North Island at Whangamatā on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Being a Fishery O cer means the o ce tends to be on the move, not something that bothers Robyn.

“I’ve had a long list of careers that include being a fishing guide, tour guide, native bird guide – I’m used to being involved with people on the frontline outdoors which means being a Fishery O cer is an ideal fit,” she says.

Robyn is a practical person and tends to run towards a challenge, not away from it. Her debut as a Fishery

O cer was during the 2021/2022 pāua season in Kaikōura – the first season they’d had since the 2016 earthquake.

“It was baptism by fire. I’d just completed my training, so it was a steep learning curve. It was great to hit the ground running. I was new to town, and I met a lot of locals. It was an intense three months as there were many people along the coast trying their luck for pāua in shallow water. I really enjoyed the intensity of the season,” she says.

The Kaikōura pāua fishery is currently closed to recreational harvesting and will reopen between 15 April and 15 June 2023.

If you thought Robyn’s work was focused on just giving out infringement notices to rule breakers –you’d be mistaken.

“I spend a lot of time doing what I’d describe as education and awareness work. It’s critical because while the goal is always compliance with the rules, it’s about making the right decisions to achieve this. Every situation is di erent and sometimes it’s a case of providing people with the right information and advice so that they can

get it right next time. Most people we deal with don’t intentionally break the rules and behaviour can be changed through important education. Fishing is a way of life in Aotearoa and most people want to do their part in protecting our shared fishing resources,” she says.

She says a normal day for a Fishery O cer is unpredictable.

“Every day is di erent and is generally weather dependant. Our focus is on recreational, commercial, and customary fishing, so we conduct patrols across all these areas of fishing. It’s a mixture of field and o ce work. I do get a lot of freedom, managing my own time and choice with areas of compliance I want to focus on. I could be on the land along our coast or at sea,” she says.

Robyn is also a recreational fisher so there’s more than one reason why she is driving home fishing rules and regulations.

“I love fishing and have got into spearfishing since

I moved to Kaikōura. Sustainable fisheries benefit everyone – the community and the country. For me fishing is about more than just catching fish. I love to cook so there’s an overwhelming sense of

pride when I can catch a fish, gut and fillet it before turning it into something really special to share with friends and family,” she says.

If you are unsure of the fishing rules the best way to find out is to download the

NZ Fishing Rules App and protect our kaimoana for future generations.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal fishing activity through the Ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24).

Sinker to Smoker

Ron Prestage

Thin on top again at Mokihinui

Hans Busch won his section

Kian’s kayak catch a beauty

Poppa Mike

Craig Thin followed up his 2022 effort of seven prizes with another top performance in the 2023 Mokihinui Fishing snapper on day seven. currents posed problems to Shannon Busch with a

In the kontiki section, Joe

Spillane wound in the supporter of the Mokihinui

Tin Signs The perfect gift for everyone

For the Mustang, hunter, fisher, tractor, car enthusiast, man-cave and more, there is a sign here on display at our show room to suit everyone. New stock arriving daily now for Christmas so visit us at Ellis Street Auto, Ph 03 542 4035 104a Ellis Street, Brightwater, Nelson From only $30 these signs make amazing gifts

When you live in Golden on holiday. Everything you need or want is on your has fallen in love with the sea and can frequently be his kayak or Dad’s yacht. His favourite pastime is he will spend hours dangling a line off the breakwater where he usually lands a snapper.

His recent venture took him by kayak just a short distance off the sandy beach on his line and the battle commenced. Whatever it the rod and knew how to was different than he’d previously encountered catch aboard and made it safely back to the beach.

His reference book helped identify his catch—his

Connor’s

Bruce Stringer presents the trophy

Heaviest snapper trophy went to Shannon Busch

When thinking about this management problems, of insanity comes to mind; doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This

Shared fisheries require working together

Please show your support for Fish Mainland by becoming a member for free and making donations via our website or bank account no 03-0823-0101056-000

Cou a’s Cut:

Coutta

Idiots with an axe to grind

the boat from Rotorua to Whakatane for the sole purpose of stocking up my bait freezer. At time of

selling for $19 in my local shop.

stopped due to mistakenly

almost happy. I play by the rules and always abide by limits, whether they be size or numbers. It makes me wonder who made the decision to include skipjack species in the recreational limit, when it appears okay by MPI for purse seiners to scoop up literally tons of them from the Bay of Plenty every season.

lawmakers have put such a small limit on the recreation

even with no limit, would not harm the stocks, which are only here for about four months anyway.

Perhaps those who wrote the rules had as much one I heard about on the

if MPs who had a bit of were appointed to these committees and panels,

I’ve read a couple of other bits of news, which are pretty who I must say I have my doubts about, has created a new portfolio dedicated

to be confused with the job to our local Rotorua MP

to be shown what a .22

bloody near every hunter would know what a .22 looked like but here was a politician, who was to a bloody clue what he was With this lot, why aren’t we surprised. Whether laws, wouldn’t it be nice

our support. Perhaps, just shall see.

Jacinda’s decision to pull the pin and jump from her once, she wanted to model herself on Helen Clark. She but she sure as shit didn’t

Same shit—different century

harvest for recreation and kai. The only problem is imminent threat from the ludicrous actions of Nelson City Council bureaucrats.

point between Nelson City Port and Okiwi Bay

been fortunate to have used and enjoyed the Wakapuaka Estuary access point over many years, both commercially, recreationally, and most importantly with my whanau.

was Captain John Walker, an early pioneer of maritime routes in the northern South terms with many of New surveyors. His cutter, the around the northern South Bay and the Wakapuaka Estuary. His achievements included

treacherous Buller River he landed surveyors John & James Rochfort ashore in of Captain Walker are now on permanent display at the Nelson Provincial Museum, I visit the museum with my family.

of the Nelson bureaucracy when Captain Walker’s contract to build a road between the Matakitaki and Maruia River. When the job was completed in 1864, the Nelson Provincial was so impoverished that it money. In later years, this

for a lowball price so the land could be allocated to

Perhaps the best family story about Nelson

supervisor, publican, contractor, divorcee,

overseer of works, and travelled freely between Australia and New Zealand. He was even present at

Australian interior between was clearly in the blood, as it

Jnr, who married Sarah John Walker.

In 1872, the Nelson to supervise the contract of Waterworks. In October 1874 the mayor, without authority of the council, “caused a letter to be sent that his services would not 28, 1874, at the city council

It then transpired that the mayor had written the letter

heaped opprobrious epithets on the head of the mayor. It was a most unseemly affair

received a reply on January

addressed the mayor with, in this city has come to a standstill”.

It’s possible that not much what my ancestors, WC

about the current boat access

City Council at Delaware Bay. Maybe they would a different century. Please donate generously Group Incorporated Legal

Past-President of the South Canterbury NZDA Branch, Jim Kroening, has been awarded branch life membership. It comes after over two decades of effort, passion and dedication to the branch.

To get to know Jim a bit better I asked him a few questions about his hunting, time with the South Canterbury NZDA Branch and where he sees his club going forward.

Do you have a favourite hunting story you would like to share?

I’m privileged to have a good list of hunting stories.

One particular year, a good friend of mine, his son and of Stewart Island we call the Peninsula.

Jim Kroening: “A Real Good Bloke”

William Ferris

When we were dropped off, the pilot warned me not to get my hopes up. The area we were going to hunt was bush-clad in one area and sand dunes across another. I knew it was going to be hard work getting across the terrain but was feeling pretty optimistic about running into a deer.

early in the morning. It was slow going through heavy bush and after a while we stopped to glass. Not long after, we spotted a deer in a small clearing. I was up aim, took a breath, and animal for the trip. It was hard work recovering. My mate was in front and just as we were walking, I heard

rang out––by six o’clock in the morning we had deer number two for the trip–not a bad turnout. For day two, my mate and his son decided they were going to miss the morning hunt so I went solo. Within not long I spotted and got a good shot off at it. Unfortunately the deer dropped in heavy bush and so it was bloody hard work to try and recover it. After looking for over an hour, I headed back to where I shot to regain my bearings. Just as I was heading back to look for it again, I turned a corner and bloody hell, there was another deer. It was the same story–drew my aim, took the shot and there I had it, three white-tails under my belt.

Can you tell me of some of your highlights and some of the challenges you faced as President at South Canterbury?

helping the branch host the NZDA Conference. The theme was “tahr” because of

the big group of tahr hunters in the branch. We managed to organise most of the top 20 best tahr of the year to be brought for display, which was a great win. When it comes to challenges, the biggest was likely deciding how we were to deal with the coastal erosion and risk of our clubrooms becoming unusable. We decided the simple answer was that we needed to shift the clubrooms. Unfortunately, our insurance didn’t cover the cost of relocating the buildings and so the branch fund. Thankfully, the work has come out well and hopefully the club will have many more good years in the rooms.

Receiving life membership is a great honour, did you do anything to celebrate your award?

On the night of the awards ceremony, I had a bit of a feeling that something might be about to happen as my mates were talking about some sort of award. The moment my name was good sense of pride in the achievement.

I was proud to have my contribution to the club recognised but I really feel that I just did my bit. A good club like South Canterbury takes a strong team of individuals and all of the work we have done and achievements we’ve made over the years are a result of the hard-working members made.

In terms of celebrations, I kept it fairly low-key and just enjoyed the evening with my mates from the branch and with my family.

What would you like to see from the South Canterbury branch going forward?

There has been a good bit of work done to get the clubrooms sorted again. We

needed to build a new toilet and kitchen. Unfortunately, I was not able to get too involved with the building due to an accident I had in May last year but I am very happy to see the work done to a great standard! My main hope and concern going forward is making sure the club can attract something I acknowledge is at the moment. The HUNTS courses we run are going to be an essential tool and we need to keep up all the good work the branch does in that space. I also hope the branch can continue to offer a variety of club hunts throughout the year to keep young people engaged and wanting to come back.

Hunting in South Canterbury high country

The successful relocation of the South Canterbury NZDA clubrooms

Jim on a meat hunting expedition

PISTOL SHOOTING

Brian Bishop

Police are now demanding licence holders. Heaps more. Why?

Because, it appears, the business of user pays.

police used to be the

since the Christchurch police power to also write

Police now user pays?

And what are these cost

is now faced with hefty increases to license fees because police say current

the application process endorsements and renewals has blown out to ridiculous timeframes, but this is an indictment and administrative incompetence. After all, it takes not time to a passport—and both are still affordable. Why

years —so it has already doubled in cost for what

SUPER SALMON SPECIALS

HOTDEAL

top of my licence I have to pay for an endorsement so I can own and operate a pistol. No complaints there. An endorsement costs

more. Under new proposals, I will have to reapply for an endorsement EVERY time I renew my licence. Do the maths: that’s over two is only a fraction of the cost

security etc.

and, by stealth, will

many, it will put it in the too hard basket (or too

healthy pursuit may miss out because it is priced beyond their means. Old blokes like Crimpy who hunt occasionally for the pot may afford that on the pension!”

And this what the police

disarm the public. It is part their proposal. But do we and society where only the

Speak out: phone the

hipkins@parliament.govt.nz he wanted the job and was Police Minister when this started. Call or email your local MP as well.

Toby lured long by salmon

hadn’t turned up at the close of January.

22 years to catch this Waimakariri salmon, which Mitch was thrilled for dad

The boys from Reefton busted out of isolation for the annual harvest at Spot X on the West Coast, with a great catch from their Predator Kontiki. www.kontiki.co.nz

L-R Nathan Gregory (aka HAGGIS), David Lineham, Van Askin, Daniel Askin, Simon Hargreaves, Loki Hargreaves

There’s no cure for gold fever. Silver fever is worse… but not terminal. Harrison could have died trying if this slice of silver

A B Cs of fisheries management

It is considered best practice to ensure that

habitat needs of the species

Good science includes the use of multiple sources of information, transparency and openness in the process, and a system of continuous improvement. Information can then be used to make informed decisions about how to sustainably manage

Essential data required for stock assessment includes information on the biology, life history, and population dynamics of the species; data

gear types and locations; and data on the size, age, and sex composition of the catch.

Other data important for a comprehensive stock assessment may include: information on the habitats and ecosystems that support the stock; environmental factors such as water temperature, ocean currents, and weather patterns; the economic and social aspects

value of the catch and the number of people employed

If catch and effort data are incomplete, it is more

population size and health of assessment less reliable.

Correct input for assessment models

Catch data are essential to estimate the population size which are key parameters for stock assessment models. Incomplete or inaccurate catch data can lead to biased estimates of population size which in turn can lead to poor management decisions. Catch effort data is also important, as it allows for mortality rate, which is a key parameter for stock assessment models. Incomplete or inaccurate effort data can lead to biased rate, which in turn can lead to poor management decisions.

Indicators of abundance

Several indicators of stock abundance can be

including:

Catch per unit effort (CPUE): This measures the unit of effort, such as per

in CPUE can indicate an increase in stock abundance. This measures the distribution

population. Changes in the length frequency can indicate changes in the age structure of the population, which can be used to infer changes in stock abundance. This measures the proportion of population. Changes in the age structure can indicate changes in the recruitment entering the population) and mortality rates, which can be used to infer changes in stock abundance.

This measures the total weight of estimates can be calculated using catch data, acoustic surveys, or other methods.

indicate an increase in stock abundance.

: Stock assessment is a more comprehensive approach

that combines all the above data and uses statistical models to estimate the populations, which can be used to infer changes in stock abundance.

Ecosystem effects can be stock assessment in several ways by considering the interactions between the and other species in the ecosystem.

considering the food web relationships, the assessment can take into account the species of the target stock and the predators of the prey species, which can affect the growth and recruitment of the target stock.

Habitat degradation can affect the growth, reproduction, and survival

assessments should consider the effects of human activities such as pollution and habitat destruction on the target stock and its habitat.

considering the bycatch and discards of non-target species, the assessment can take into account the

species and their role in the ecosystem.

More to a fish than just the fillets

Fish populations provide a variety of ecosystem services, including: an important source of protein for humans and other animals, and support commercial and subsistence

support the diversity and abundance of other species in the ecosystem, such as by providing food for predators or by maintaining the structure of aquatic habitats.

C help regulate the Earth’s climate by removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their bodies and in the ocean help purify water by consuming and breaking down pollutants, such as excess nutrients from agricultural runoff.

help prevent

health of wetlands and other aquatic habitats that can absorb and store water. provide cultural and recreational services, such as supporting traditional and sport

cultural heritage for many communities.

provide economic services, such as supporting commercial aquaculture, and ecotourism.

Rebuilding a management framework

Rebuilding times for populations can vary depending on several factors, such as the species, the level of depletion, and the management measures implemented. Generally, rebuilding times can range from several years to several rebuilding time will depend on the species biology, the rate of reproduction, and the mortality rate. The management measures implemented will also play a role in the rebuilding time, such as catch limits, protected areas, and habitat restoration.

The lengthy rebuilding lobster stocks emphasize pressure being constrained to the limits informed by stock assessments.

assessment-informed limits, sustainable level, allowing and rebuild and ensuring an for all legitimate extractive users.

Senior Technician Don Nelson measuring and recording lobster catch on-board a vessel at sea. Photo credit T Burkhart/CRAMAC5