March 2025 - 234 The Fishing Paper and Hunting News

Are you ready for the ducks ? pg 4 - 5

• A wild porker feast for the locals - pg 2 • Paua down deep - pg 11 • Crack down on poaching - pg 14

It’s Friday evening, end of the day, end of the week, end of representing an employer and all that it entails. Dearly Beloved has literally washed it all away. Freshly showered, he has taken up ‘the position’ on the couch, a barelythere bath towel as cover.

I’ve no need to explain his state of undress to other blokes –it’s late summer, we have no neighbours, and Beloved is comfortable in his own skin. Besides, it’s his house, his castle.

The shout-out from a visitor at the front door comes as an unwelcome surprise. I attend to it as I am fully attired.

Bugger. The visitor is a weekend warrior wanting to access our workplace. He’s had issues with his key and the padlock, which that key should open. It’s not something I can remedy - it’s a task for Beloved – back to work fella!

Roused from his slouch on the couch, Beloved is trapped in the lounge, naked bar a bath towel, his route to other clothing blocked by the unsuspecting visitor.

In the lounge, clothing selections are meagre. Very meagre. Beloved finds a pair of clean track pants in a washing basket and drags them on. A hi-vis tee shirt is snatched from the back of an o ce chair. Done, dressed and semi-respectable.

The access issue proves to have no easy fix, instead Beloved must slide his bare feet into gumboots, his bum into his work truck and drive away from home. Credit to him, he has made the change from zoned-out to tuned-in, indeed, he’s so alert he notices a new garden feature in the neighbour’s yard as he passes.

That new garden feature, black and hairy, notices Beloved too. It is wary. Wise to humans’ wicked thought processes, it trots away to safer pastures, or so it thinks.

Sub-Editor:

Go Commando

Job done my man drives toward home. As he does so, he notes the neighbours’ most recent garden feature has transitioned into a paddock ornament. Not only is it black and hairy, but it also has a shiny scrotum at one end and shiny tusks visible at the other end. Tail swishing, it feasts on clover,

hiding his trunk, unrestrained, as he stampedes from room to room. But I digress … back to the hunt and the hunted.

Our neighbour has a hate on the marauding wild porkers, which destroy his lawns and crops in the dark of night. His permission is ongoing, no need to phone. So,

oblivious to its impending doom.

The boar-sighting is enough to make my big fella squeal his wheels both figuratively and literally, putting pedal to metal he comes down our front driveway like a boy racer.

At the door there’s two thumps and a clatter - bare feet shuck gumboots, toenails scrabble across the porch.

Beloved barely remembers to draw breath as he hurriedly unlocks rifle, bolt and mag, and then ammo from their various safe places.

Watching him, I’m transported back to my childhood and one of my favourite Little Golden Books – ‘The Saggy Baggy Elephant.’

The thin fabric of Beloved’s greycoloured trackies is all wrinkled after its journey through the laundry. They may be loose fitting, but there’s no

Fishing Paper & Hunting News

armed and dangerous, Beloved slips barefooted into his gumboots and stalks o down our rear driveway. I watch on, grinning - Henry Mancini and his Orchestra’s ‘Baby Elephant Walk’ trumpeting in my head.

That man of mine then slithers towards the back gate, putting a new spin on The Gonads’ song, ‘Old Boots, No Panties.’ He does a fine job of unlatching said gate, no latch-rattle at all, but a covey of quail read his body language as that of a predator on the prowl. A cock quail on sentry duty starts alarm calling and the paddock ornament next door pauses mid-bite.

The boar listens but hears no sound. He sni s but smells no scent.

He looks but only sees 13 quail and an elephant. Nothing to fear at all. He is hungry, the clover is abundant and sweet, his feasting resumes.

Beloved waits till the boar is headdown, bum-up before scuttling across the road and getting into position. A convenient fence post provides a rifle rest. There’s a natural safe background. Promptly thereafter his scope-eye-view is filled with a hairy black elbow crease.

The cock quail does his best to warn the grazing grunter but, after another session of ‘listen, sni , look,’ it settles to grazing once more.

There’s a rifle shot, a suppressed ‘crack,’ before a tiny projectile penetrates the boar’s rib cage and a pulse of heart-blood floods his chest cavity. He tries to run for his home in the hills, but his gas tank feels inexplicably empty, and his legs will not respond to his brain’s urgings.

“I told you so - I told you so – I told you so,” chides cock quail on loop.

Beloved’s evening score is young and fat, prime pork. If our freezers were empty, we’d welcome him into our home. Our freezers are not empty but for this pig there will indeed be a ‘forever home.’ Yup, this evening he was a lucky score. Tomorrow evening, he will also be a lucky score. He’ll satisfy appetites aplenty, the celebrated centrepiece of Islandstyle feasting. Then, afterwards, there’ll be more contented blokes lying on couches with full bellies and in various states of repose –underpants optional - their house, their castle.

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PB Kahawai

Enid Ludik

Calmly reeling his fishing rod in, the slow, rhythmic motion almost hypnotic as he waited for any sign of a bite.

This is the story of how Ewan caught his Kahawai Ewan smiled, his chest swelling with pride. He had caught it! His PB Kahawai, a magical moment.

Suddenly, a splash broke the silence. A fish leapt out of the water, its silver scales catching the light as it twisted mid-air. “Whoa, look at that!” he said, pointing excitedly.

Fred glanced over, but before he could say anything, Ewan’s eyes widened. The fish had disappeared, but something was tugging at his line. A rush of realization hit him. That fish wasn’t just jumping... it was on his line!

Without thinking, he yanked the rod back, hands gripping tight. The line pulled hard, and he could feel the weight of the fish fighting against him. His heart raced. “Dad! I think I got it!” he shouted.

Fred sprang into action, “Keep reeling! Fast!” he called, his voice filled with excitement.  Ewan cranked the reel as fast as he could, his arms burning from the e ort. With one final tug, the fish was out of the water.

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Firearm Training

Over the last few years, I have been engraving the serial numbers on the Holster badges our pistol shooters earn, as part of their training to compete in any of the action divisions.

The standard badge is for the semiautos, which is needed if you want to draw from the holster. We are over the 6000, even better when you add the cowboy badge to it, which is another 836. They have a di erent one as their guns have di erent safety issues to master. You only get the one badge per style but some of the cowboys and ladies need both and you must go through a lot of work to both earn them and keep it; mine is number 1674.

Not every country has a course along these lines, but Pistol NZ does, with the help of trainers in our members clubs, this is done because we have always known safety is important, especially now more than ever, everything and everyone is under the spotlight. As you can see by the numbers, we have been doing this for a long time and this training is because it was decided it was necessary. It is very important to understand we know the sport and the di erent styles. In my opinion, we are experts in handling firearms safely with the knowledge that’s been built from many years and many thousands of rounds fired. Both in practice and competitions here and overseas.

have had the honour to represent New Zealand and Pistol NZ at four world shoots and five Australasian competitions. I have learned many things at every match, which feeds back and is used to improve coaching and training.

We also have range-o cers who are our referees, they oversee the running of both the shooter and the match on the ranges while we train and compete, everyone works hard to keep things both safe and always following the rules. To hold a pistol endorsement, we must do a minimum of 12 shoots per year, every year. Licence holders’ own firearms for sport or hunting and safe handling is paramount. No one is at risk or needs to fear any firearm I own.

My thanks for the following people as they have the lowest badge numbers, which means they were there at the start, and more importantly are still active members today. Rod 1, James 3, Bill 4, Barry 6, Je 9, Tony 10, Ken 12, Alan 14 and Wally 16. Not many sports have this kind of long loyal service.

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Getting ready for the duck hunting season

Duck hunting is exciting, and proper preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, these steps can help you be ready when opening day arrives.

Check Regulations

Before heading into the field, familiarise yourself with your local region’s hunting regulations. At a minimum, you will require a New Zealand Gamebird Hunting License from Fish and Game. Some areas also require Department of Conservation permits, so checking these before shooting is advisable. Regulations can change yearly, so staying current is advisable to ensure there are no issues when the Rangers come calling.

Inspect and Maintain Your Gear

Your gear plays a crucial role in a successful hunt.

Shotgun and Ammunition

Before the season starts, clean and test your firearm, and stock up on non-toxic shotgun shells. If you are changing to a new firearm and/or ammunition, checking the pattern with di erent chokes for your intended range can help your success rate. Check if your gun fits you, there are plenty of guides online on how to do this.

Decoys and Calls

Inspect and repair any damaged decoys, clean, replace frayed lines and fill in any damage they may have. Charge or replace any batteries in your motion decoys. Using J-Hook sinkers with a small bungee cord can help to keep them secure with storing and transporting your decoys. This will save early morning tangles at the maimai. Check for any issues with your duck calls and replace batteries in any electronic calls. Practice using your duck calls. A great place to do this is in your vehicle while travelling to

and from work.

Waders and Clothing

If you are wearing waders, ensure they are leak-free, and your clothing is appropriate for the conditions you are likely to be hunting in. Some extra socks can be helpful if you end up with wet feet. I would also recommend taking sunblock along, as the opening weekend is often sunny and hot.

Maimai and Boat

If you use a blind or boat, check for necessary repairs and make sure all equipment is in working order. You don’t want any issues that could make the hunt unsafe, such as an unreliable motor or an unstable maimai.

Scouting and Pond Maintenance

If you are looking for a new hunting spot, pre-season scouting is crucial to locate the best hunting spots. Looking for areas where ducks frequently gather, such as wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Paying attention to feeding and resting areas and taking note of flight patterns. Once you have your hunting location, is your pond ready. Clear o any weeds or other objects that could cause problems for you or your dog? For example, old posts or things that get hung up underwater. If you can feed your pond are the

feeders in good condition and have you got the grain needed to start feeding?

Spend time with your Hunting Dog

If you hunt with a retriever, spending time reinforcing obedience and retrieving commands is very beneficial to ensure your dog is ready to hit the ground running. Your dog will also want to be in good physical condition and acclimatised to the environment it will be hunting. This can be done by taking more regular walks and swimming in local rivers and/or ponds. Even for experienced dogs, any time spent is valuable to ensure they are in peak condition by the seasons start.

Practice Shooting

Improve your shooting by going to the local duck shooter events. Some retail stores put these on throughout the country. They are usually advertised in March when their catalogues are sent out. Practising shooting will help you be more e ective in the field. If you find certain targets more challenging, joining a club and getting more practice on targets will help you. It also allows you to check your gun is working before hitting the field. If you have any misfires or failure to feed, now is the time to get it checked over by a gunsmith.

Be prepared

Duck hunting often involves unpredictable and harsh weather. Dress in layers, bring waterproof gear and be prepared for cold, windy, or wet conditions. Even if you don’t think you will need it, take extra clothing. Last season, while I was throwing decoys out, I slipped o the maimai and did a somersault over the side. I ended up in the near-freezing water drenched from head to toe. A quick run back to my vehicle and change, I was able to keep hunting. Without a change, I would have been unable to continue as the cold would have set in leading to possible hypothermia.

Packing your blind bag

Prepare a hunting bag with essential items such as extra shells, a first-aid kit, a torch, a thermos

with hot drinks, a cooker and some food and a small repair kit for decoys or waders. Having these supplies on hand can make your hunt more comfortable and e cient.

Plan for Game Processing

Have a plan for cleaning and storing your harvested ducks. Hanging your ducks out of the sun allows them to cool more e ciently and dry. Bring a sharp knife, game bags, and a cooler with ice. Properly handling your game ensures fresh, high-quality meat. Dispose of the carcasses responsibly, if there is an o al pit you can use, do so, otherwise burying them in your vegetable garden is a great fertiliser. Just make sure they are deep enough so cats or dogs can't dig them up. Every year there are pictures of birds being dumped, which puts a bad image on all of us. We are being watched very closely and do not need any negative stories. I like to pluck the breasts and legs of my ducks and then use a knife to cut the breast meat away and cut the legs o at the same time. This takes about 90 percent of the usable meat. There is also the option to pluck and gut the complete bird and get what we call a ‘Tegal’ duck, just like you buy a chicken at the supermarket.

Crispy Duck Breast: Gareth Faulkner

Once you’ve caught them and prepared them , there's nothing better than dropping duck breasts into a hot pan .

• Score the skin of the duck breast in a cross-hatch pattern.

• Season the duck breast with salt and pepper.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the duck breast, skinside down, in the skillet.

• Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

• Flip the duck breast and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached.

• Allow the duck breast to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Safety

This may be the last section but hunting safety should always be a top priority. Follow the seven firearm safety rules on the Firearms Safety Authority website. Do not become a statistic. Always let someone know your hunting location and expected return time.

By taking the time to prepare properly, you’ll set yourself up for a safe, successful, and enjoyable duck hunting season. Happy hunting!

IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS –LOBSTER INDUSTRY AGAIN NAVIGATING CHALLENGING TIMES.

The current rock lobster season has brought mixed fortunes to local operators, with market prices falling below early season expectations and massive disruption to fishing activities on the east coast of both islands due to persistently unfavourable weather and sea conditions in the latter months of 2024. Fishing was significantly disrupted between East Cape and Cook Strait (CRA 3 and CRA 4) compounding what has been a di cult time for the resident industry personnel since the chaos of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The re-entry of Australian rock lobster into the Chinese market has also impacted on the New Zealand rock lobster industry, with prices paid to fishermen decreasing over the course of the 2024/25 fishing year which will end in March.

Australia was banned from exporting lobster and several other products to China in 2020, soon after then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Australia’s rock lobster exports to China were worth about $700 million a year before Beijing enforced the ban. However, in late 2024 China told Australia the live rock lobster trade could resume. In just five weeks 1500 tonnes of Australian lobster entered the Chinese market — more than half of New Zealand’s total commercial catch for the year. This came at a critical time with Chinese New Year typically being the busiest sales period for New Zealand exporters.

Since 2019 the New Zealand lobster exporters have seen record high prices, but with Australia now back in the market at scale, they expect supply to stabilise and pricing to return to preCOVID levels. Exporters are rapidly adapting to the changing conditions while continuing to focus on delivering a high quality and sustainably managed product. Rock lobster is New Zealand’s most valuable seafood export, worth more than $350m annually.

FISHERIES ACT REFORMS PROPOSED

The New Zealand Seafood industry could be about to see the most significant reforms of New Zealand’s fisheries for decades. Minister Shane Jones has launched the consultation on proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act. The proposed reforms are intended to increase the profitability

and productivity of the seafood industry by enabling faster and more e ective decision making when setting catch limits, while ensuring sustainability of fisheries resources.

The proposed legislative and regulatory changes leverage new data and tools to enhance fisheries management in line with the Government’s goals to lift New Zealand’s productivity and economic growth to increase opportunities and prosperity for all New Zealanders, and to remove regulations that impede the productivity and potential of the seafood sector.

These proposals to improve responsiveness and certainty of decision making build on the fundamentals of the QMS, and would enable more harvest opportunities for commercial, recreational, and customary fishing when fish stocks are abundant, and better ensure sustainability when risks arise.

E ciency gains in administering the Fisheries Act would enable more active management of a greater number of fish stocks.

From a lobster industry perspective the proposed reforms are seen as an opportunity to consolidate the roles and responsibilities of commercial rights holders in respect of the stewardship and utilisation of lobster stocks. Opportunities to further progress towards a functioning co-management role for the sector will be pursued through the reform process.

vessels make the most noise.

A More Positive Path

Overall the Ministers announcement represents a very substantial set of changes to the Fisheries Act – the biggest package of reforms in 10 years or more. Both the lobster and paua industries are seeking to reinstate reforms lost from the 2022 Fisheries Amendment Bill which explicitly enable and recognise ‘decision rules’, and want improvements to the legal drafting to ensure that statutory sustainability criteria are incorporated to those rules.

The rules, often referred to as management procedures or harvest control rules, can deliver more timely adjustments to Total Allowable Catches (TACs) where full stock assessment results are unavailable or impractical. Decision rules have guided multiple voluntary and statutory commercial catch adjustments in lobster fisheries since 1997 and their use is credited for stock rebuilds in several lobster fishery (CRA) management areas.

Reform would enable the Minister to approve transparent procedures that set out when, how and why catch limits would be adjusted for specific fish stocks for a set period up to five years. Management procedures would be subject to stakeholder consultation prior to approval. Powers to adjust a catch limit within the bounds of the procedure would be delegated to the MPI Chief Executive and

The Naysayers

On cue came the critics, in particular a wannabe Auckland NGO which commanded mainstream media attention with attacks on the Minister whilst describing his reform proposals as nothing but a wish list of changes hunted by quota owners for over two decades. “It represents a major loosening of controls on commercial fishing and grants wide powers to the Minister to increase commercial catches on a whim”.

It seems that those critics only glanced at headlines and have yet to read the substance of the proposals, because if and when implemented the reforms will not enable their claimed outcomes. Adding further to their growing confirmation that empty

would not require further review and consultation with stakeholders.

Industry is also seeking an amendment to validate ACE shelving as a sustainability measure. Shelving is a voluntary and binding industrygenerated commercial catch reduction that can be implemented more immediately than, and be a formal alternative to, a statutory TAC/TACC decision process. The aim is to increase certainty that the Minister will take ACE shelving into account as a legitimate management intervention.

The current ACE carry-forward settings are somewhat arbitrary and may be an unnecessary constraint on utilisation if factors that are unrelated to sustainability have prevented fishers from harvesting their ACE in a fishing

year – for example catch within a year may be constrained by market barriers, biotoxin closures, or an adverse weather event.

Similarly, if the biological characteristics of the stock are such that the timing of ACE utilisation across two sequential fishing years does not have an adverse e ect on stock sustainability.

The case study for the lobster industry is the season most e ected by the COVID pandemic. Fishermen could fish, but significant quantities of catch entitlements were unused at the conclusion of that 2020/21 fishing year. There was no provision in law for unused rock lobster ACE to be carried forward to the subsequent fishing year.

There were no associated sustainability issues – ACE was unused because key markets had closed. A one-o legislative amendment was implemented so that only 10% of an individual’s unused rock lobster ACE could be carried forward but industry and Ministry o cials were also alert to the potential for future market disruptions or calamitous trade or environmental impacts unrelated to stock abundance and availability. However as is currently the case, the proposed reforms ensure no ACE carry forward would be available in any year that the stock is subject to a TAC/TACC reduction.

Speculation or Facts

The critics of proposed reforms harp on about the Fisheries Act being ‘deconstructed’ to pass power to quota owners while weakening existing environmental protections and the need for Kiwis to have access to fish to feed their families. They express concern that the proposed changes will not benefit the public or the marine environment. A careful reading of the consultation documents will show those claims not to be true – they are both exaggerated and alarmist. If properly implemented the reforms will expedite sustainability decisions, provide great certainty to industry participants and make all extractive users more accountable for their roles in utilising our fisheries resources.

The current public consultation process is aimed at enacting a Fisheries Reform Bill in the 3rd quarter of 2026 prior to the next general election. You will find the consultation opportunities by scanning this QR code

Shane Jones holding the Reform paper

Wild food recipes with Marcus

RAW for the ROAR

Here’s a dish that’s sure to challenge those taste buds after a long day in the hills.

A piquant,zingy carpaccio

created to stimulate not only your taste buds but a good yarn when accompanied with a cold one!

Venison Carpaccio

Ingredients

Venison back strap lightly seared

Chilli

Capers

Shallots

Dill

Lemon

Original Smoke & Spice

Seasoning

Virgin Olive Oil

Method

I ran my knife through the WARTHOG Sharpener so it’s super sharp for getting the backstraps nice and finely cut.

Remember to cut perpendicular to the grain to hold in the juices and make it easy to chew.

Finely chop the chilli and shallots

Hunt without limits

Waimatuku is right at the bottom of the South Island and is pretty much the last stop before you drop o the Mainland.

It’s home to HUNTERCRAFT so I was happy to see that the 600 odd km trip was paying o for designer/builder/owner Andrew Owen with plenty of demo’s being taken up, Including by a guy who’d driven down from Nelson and was planning to use the boat out on some West Coast swamps and of course myself among many others.

HUNTERCRAFT’s Jet Venturer 4200 is ideally matched with a 50hp outboard jet.

The 4-stroke Tohatsu 50hp on the Waimakariri River demo boat is light and quiet and provided plenty of power for the sections we travelled.

“Getting the tunnel design perfected was a mission” says Andrew Owen with many built, trialled and refined.

“You need the tunnel to direct the water to the jet intake whatever the situation…you’re looking for responsiveness and grip” he says. I can vouch that has been achieved.

Being able to mount the engine high on the transom means no part of the jet unit is below the hull so you can really travel the shallows. Tilt up on the outboard adds that

extra capability.

and liberally cover the venison together with capers and dill and lash it with lemon juice and virgin olive oil and a blast of Original Smoke & Spice seasoning.

Although on the boat for a short period the seats were comfy , plenty of room to spread out , massive watertight bow storage which o ers up a great fishing platform or a place to tie down freshly hunted game.

HUNTERCRAFT is another great example of Kiwi design favouring function/practicality over aesthetics and to my mind winning on all accounts.

There’s some great footage on their website and info on their prop models. Happy hunting!

Jet Venturer 4200 closing in at the end of a demo session on the Waimakariri

The Rainbow Connection Coastlines

The legend of finding gold at the end of a rainbow –where did that come from?

It might have been Ireland, the land of leprechauns, legends and stories tall, perhaps a bit like some of my columns!

The Coast is well endowed with those of Irish ancestry (look in the phone directory for names emanating from the auld sod), so it’s a good place to find rainbows and not only the colourful spans seen occasionally in the sky after a rare bit of Irish mist. There is also another type of curved phenomenon, the rare white rainbow, and yes, I have seen one here on The Coast. However, there has been talk of sightings of yet another sort of rainbow, the rainbow trout, or for those of you with a scientific bent, Oncorhynchus mykiss. This story is not about the end of the rainbow but perhaps the rebirth of the rainbow.

Rainbows were introduced originally from America as far back as 1883, and apart from the lakes and rivers of the Central North Island, they are not as widespread around NZ as the brownies.

Lately, there have been reports of sightings and apparently even some catching of rainbows in places on The Coast that are well outside their normal habitat. More on those sightings shortly. However, thus far, there have been no names of people associated with the sightings, which is perhaps in the tradition of the West Coast, because we have a No Name road up the Grey Valley and a No Town.

Yes, we have rainbows over here in the West Coast Region, mainly confined to faster-flowing water further up the rivers, such as the Upper Hokitika and Taramakau fisheries. Plus there are still intermittent catches of rainbows in the Grey Catchment, specifically in the tributaries such as the Ahaura. At present, there have been 2 reported sightings in Lake Poerua; someone saw a guy with one at the Poerua ramp, another local angler is said to have hooked and lost one also on Poerua, and a bunch of rainbows have reportedly been up a spawning creek at Poerua, plus an experienced angler, we’ll call him Dave, apparently got one in Lake Brunner. All are very interesting, but all are second or third-hand reports. So it would be great to have some

evidence.

A key point that F&G make is that toward Autumn, the brownies colour up a bit more in readiness for spawning, so some brighterhued fish might have been mistaken for rainbows. Fish and Game gets intermittent reports of rainbows being caught in the Lake Brunner/ Poerua system, but these usually lack verification. They have conducted trout surveys in the lakes numerous times over the last 30 years and have not had any turnups. They also say rainbows were released in Lake Kaniere inland from Hokitika around 15 years ago, and this coincided with a huge hatch of huhu beetles, which led to a rapid growth rate in the released fish. However, a couple of years later, they had all but disappeared.

Ivan Wilson

Where the heck did they go? Rainbows were also released years ago into Lake Poerua in the 1980s and 1990s, but they didn’t seem to “take.” According to West Coast Fish & Game, further introductions haven’t been tried since then. The last releases of rainbows in the Grey Catchment were in the lower reaches in 2014 for children’s fishing events. A theory from another very experienced angler is that the released rainbows decided to head out of the lake, down the outlet and into the Crooked River and from there, they could go up to the headwaters or even the odd one could readily have accessed Lake Brunner. Perhaps some environmental change led some of the fish to return down the Crooked, up the outlet creek and back into Poerua. It’s a theory, and given rainbows can tolerate higher water temperatures than browns, it could have happened.

We are very keen to have the names of those who have seen these fish and, if possible, photographic evidence. So it’s a bit of a mystery, a conundrum of sorts, and we’d value any responses from those who think they’ve experienced a rainbow in Lakes Brunner or Poerua. Share your info, and hopefully, send a photo to ivanmurraywilson@gmail. com. I’ll certainly share it through this paper and with F&G.

“Somewhere ……..

Dawnbreakers Kayak Fishing Competition

February 16th saw the second Dawnbreakers Kayak Fishing Competition go ahead. Before getting into that, let me first say a massive congratulations to Gareth Nicholson and partner Hannah on the arrival of their son. Sebastion arrived a few weeks earlier than expected so Gareth had to withdraw from organising and competing in the kayak comp leaving me at the helm rather than our club president.

While the water was warm and the fishing itself tough going, the conditions were almost ideal for competitors to get out on the water, a nice reprieve from the windy and unpredictable season otherwise. With the competition being focused on promoting kayak fishing safety in a way that is enjoyable and connects solo fishers with one another, it was great to see more visibility flags flying in the bay as recommended and most of those registered letting me

know if they weren’t heading out or, if they headed out but weren’t coming to prize-giving. With over 20 registered, from as far afield as Marlborough to Christchurch. It was helpful to only need to track down one entrant so I could close o with Coastguard Nelson knowing everyone was safely on shore. Even experienced and well-equipped kayakers can be caught by surprise and find themselves in trouble so we prepare and work in with Coastguard just in case.

Fortunately they weren’t needed and we all got to enjoy measure in and prize-giving at the Anchor Bar and Grill instead.

Longest Snapper, measuring in at 67.5cm and won by virtue of being the first of that length to be measured, went to Andy Elliot who scored himself a swish catch bag from Feelfree Kayaks. Corey Parsons and Jesse Gould won consolation prizes as their largest snapper also measured in at

67.5cm. Jesse provided us with a good chuckle when he presented us with a snapper that had come from the water perfectly gutted by a shark.

Longest Kahawai at 42cm went to James Plunkett and Jorden Lasenby took out longest gurnard with one of 46cm. Both won themselves a 4-in-1 kayak Kayak/SUP Carrier sponsored by Repco Nelson and Kaveman Tackle products.

The Average Snapper prize, an ICOM VHF radio donated by Maritime New Zealand was taken home by Stephen Foote.

The Trifecta was won by Andy Paul with a snapper, kahawai and gurnard with a combined length of 148.5cm. This category was sponsored by Kaveman Tackle and fortunately for Stephen, as well as a great lure and kabura boxset, there was also a great rod. I say fortunately because

earlier that day, Andy had lost his rod and reel to a pilfering predator –another shark.

A huge thanks to our sponsors, Repco Nelson, Feelfree Kayaks NZ, Maritime New Zealand and Kaveman Tackles and also thank you to our participants for joining us. We hope to see you back.

Corey’s catch came in equal on length and a great feed for the family

Longest Snappers , Andy Elliot beats Corey Parsons and Jesse Gould to the measure mat in the race of the 67.5cm snappers

Jesse Gould shows o his shark snack – and it still qualified as a measurable catch

James Plunket's longest kahawai reaps great rewards

Jorden Lasenby’s good gurnard sees him going home with the goods.

Andy may have lost his rod and reel but he won a new rod as part of his Trifecta prize

Stephen Foote scores a VHF radio with his closest to average length snapper

That Kayak Fishing Chick. Yolande Jeffares

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Our fit-out solutions include toolboxes, fold-down sides,

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Precise fit-outs, even before your Ute Arrives

If you haven’t taken delivery of your ute yet, we can still get to work. With just the make and model information, we can now digitally import the specifications and design the perfect canopy in consultation with you. Our advanced technology allows us to create a vivid image, o ering you a clear preview of the final result. We meticulously check

tolerances to ensure a seamless fit between the body and cab while optimising wheel travel. When your ute finally arrives, we can e ortlessly install the canopy, making your vehicle road-ready in no time.

Rely on Aluminium Excellence

Our fit-outs are crafted from premium aluminium, the ideal material for utes. We utilise heavygauge aluminium to withstand the toughest challenges and work life. Lightweight yet incredibly robust, our fit-outs are built to last and engineered for their intended purpose. Moreover, aluminium is corrosion-resistant, ensuring that your fit-out remains impervious to various loads.

Wagons

If a custom high quality sliding drawer for your wagon is what you’re after, we can do this for a side or back opening door. We use sturdy, customised parts so your drawer glides with ease, to make the most of hard to reach places. Game changer.

An example we’re very proud of is the drawers in a fleet of ambulance First-Responder utes to make access to key materials easier for paramedics.

Choose our fit-outs to enhance the functionality and durability of your ute. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and take your road transport to the next level.

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• New boat builds

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Pāua are remarkably resilient creatures, thriving in New Zealand’s harsh coastal environment for the past 70 million years or so. During this time they’ve been through a lot, including earthquakes, tsunamis, sea temperature change, and more recently, predation by humans. One of the reasons pāua have thrived for so long might be their ability to occupy a range of ocean depths, from the warm intertidal zone to deeper, darker reefs.

What drives pāua depth distributions in our coastal waters, and how does fishing factor in?

Like many abalone species pāua are perfectly content across a range of depths, but are mostly oriented to shallow waters in 3-5 m where waves crash. Pāua love strong water movement, which enriches dissolved oxygen and optimises their physiology and growth. Crashing waves also break up seaweed, providing a reliable food supply (Fig. 1). This is why you’ll often find yourself getting pushed around by waves when diving on the best pāua beds.

2.

can live fairly deep, such as this patch at around 15 m, but not as deep as other species, such as the California white abalone, which is found at over 40 m.

(Photo: Tom McCowan)

60 m or more). If pāua are removed from shallow areas completely, kina have an opportunity to move up and occupy that space, causing a loss of optimal habitat for pāua. For this reason, fishers should always aim to leave a good proportion of pāua in a patch so they can maintain their turf and deter encroachment by kina. Fortunately for those who want to catch a feed without overworking their lungs, legal-sized pāua can also be found in very shallow

Pāua can also live much deeper and have been found well past 15 m. These deeper-dwelling individuals are often some of the largest found, possibly because they’ve been overlooked by fishers (Fig. 2). However, the deeper pāua move the more competition they have with kina, which occupy similar rocky reefs and feed on the same seaweeds. Surveys have shown that pāua and kina are often stratified by depth, with pāua occupying shallow reef shelves, and kina preferring depths of 10-15 m (and as deep as

intertidal habitats, sometimes even emerging from the water on spring low tides. This is especially the case in remote areas where there is little shore-based fishing. You may have noticed the e ects of fishing on pāua depth distribution if you’ve ever been to a remote area such as the Chatham Islands, or seen a long term closed area. Here, large pāua can be found in great abundance at the water’s edge, illustrating their ability to live intertidally. Interestingly, after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake lifted the seabed several

Figure 3. A combination of coastal uplift from the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, and the closure to fishing for 5 years resulted in the build-up of big pāua in the intertidal zone. Here, a number of very large pāua, some up to 170 mm, are seen out of water at low tide, perfectly content if not a little warm. These were particularly low-hanging fruit when the fishery was reopened.

meters, large pāua were thrust up into shallow tidal zones and remained there throughout the 5-year fishery closure, reaching huge sizes (Fig. 3). When the fishery was reopened in 2021, many fishers noted that they didn’t even have to get their feet wet to collect their limits. Unfortunately, this ‘wade-fishery’ didn’t last very long, and for the most part, fishers in the region now must don their wetsuits again. So how does the depth distribution of pāua stack up against some of the other 55 species of abalone around the globe? One of the more interesting areas is the rocky, temperate coastline of California, USA, which is home to 8 species that once comprised one of the world’s great abalone fisheries. The shallowest dwelling of them all is the black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii), which lives predominantly on intertidal reef (Fig. 4). This highly heat-tolerant species was once a prime source of food for coastal huntergatherers dating back at least 9,000 years, who likely appreciated it’s easy harvestability. In contrast, California is also home to two of the deepest living abalone species. The white abalone (H. sorenseni) and pink abalone (H. corrugata), have been found at depths beyond 40 m. These abalone were so deep that, during the heyday of the California abalone boom,

harvesters had to invent new diving technologies to access them. The extreme depth of these valuable abalone was the impetus for the development of assisted underwater breathing devices, such as SCUBA and ‘hookah’ gear.

Fortunately for the majority of Kiwi divers who can’t hold their breath very long, or prefer to avoid the dark abyss of the deep sea, the humble pāua lives at an agreeable depth. It seems there are several key drivers of their depth distribution, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, food availability, competitive interactions with other species, and, of course, humans. We can only hope that by maintaining a healthy marine environment, and avoiding over-harvest, we can all have relatively easy access to pāua for years to come.

Figure 4. California black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) are one of a few large abalone species that live intertidally, thus having remarkable tolerance to heat and desiccation stress. Their easy accessibility made them vulnerable to over-harvest. Overfishing, climate change and a disease has resulted in their being listed as an endangered species. Photo Credit: United States National Park Service

Shawn Gerrity

Figure 1. A diver surveys a large patch of pāua in only 2-3 m of water. The majority of pāua are found at shallow depths where waves oxygenate the water and break up algae to eat.

Figure

Pāua

Optically Speaking March 2025 Ant Corke

NETD,

sNETD, and beyond: everything you need to know

Thermal imaging might help you see beyond the invisible, but that doesn’t mean there are no gray areas left. One of the most commonly discussed ones is NETD and the way it is marketed and measured. At Pulsar, we used to share the sensor NETD. Other brands often lean towards system NETD. Now, we have decided to do both. But what’s the di erence? Is one better than the other? And why are we making this move? Let’s find out.

NETD: what it is, and why it’s important

NETD is used to measure the thermal sensitivity of a device and stands for noise equivalent temperature di erence. Simply put, it represents the smallest temperature di erence a thermal imager can pick up on.

In even simpler words, imagine you have two thermal imagers. One has a high NETD, the other – a low. If you use the first one to look at your hand, you’ll see it as one patch. But if you use the second device, you’ll notice the palm and the separate fingers and maybe even where the nails are.

NETD is usually measured in mK –millikelvins. It’s an industry standard, and for easier understanding of numbers, you should know that one degree Kelvin is equal to one degree Celsius. So, if you’ve got 25 mK, it’s going to be the same as 0.025 C. Keep in mind that the two scales – Kelvin and Celsius – are not equal for measuring temperature. However, since they do have the same degree value, the direct comparison works in our case.

NETD is hugely important in situations where thermal contrast is low, for example, during rain or fog. In conditions like these, di erent objects in your field of view are likely to have a similar temperature. Then, the lower the NETD, the better you’ll be able to distinguish between

Nelson Marine Centre is proud to announce that, as of 1 April 2025, it will be the only fully dedicated Yamaha dealer in the Nelson/Tasman region. As part of the Yamaha dealership network, Nelson Marine Centre stands behind Yamaha’s legacy of uncompromising attention to detail, precision engineering,

di erent objects, understand what they are, and see minor details. Nowadays, we often see NETD values of 40, 35, 25, and 18 mK. The lower the value of NETD, the more proudly is the thermal imager advertised. But keep in mind that these di erences are mostly visible in humid weather conditions. In dry, clear weather, it’s really hard to tell which thermal imager has 35 and which – 25 mK NETD. In those situations, spatial resolution is much more important. But let’s stick to sensitivity for now.

Sensor vs. System NETD

With thermal vision devices, there are two types of NETD you usually get: sensor and system. At Pulsar, we always share the NETD of the sensor. We get this value from Lynred – the French company that manufactures our sensors and tests them in labs.

Sensor NETD is the minimum temperature di erence that the sensor can distinguish at a fixed noise level. It’s the basic sensitivity value and doesn’t take into account additional factors, such as image processing algorithms and filters in your device. In other words, it can be further improved with the help of software.

As you can probably guess now, system (or device, or camera) NETD is sensor plus software algorithms. But is it a bad thing to improve NETD with image processing? Absolutely not – carefully and optimally selected, video processing parameters can reduce noise levels while also retaining useful signals and details.

However, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to overuse these processing algorithms. While they may help to achieve lower system NETD, they can also diminish fine details, making the image less informative.

Another problem with overusing these algorithms is possible image lag or blurred image when you move the thermal device around. As a result, you get a device that performs decently in a static position, but, when you need to observe a scene in motion, a lessthan-perfect picture arises, which can pose a huge problem, especially in thermal imaging riflescopes.

It’s important to remember that no matter how many algorithms you add to your image, you can only improve the value of your system NETD – the base sensor NETD will always be the same. How do you compare NETD?

The trick with NETD – both sensor and system – is that the methodologies for measuring it vary. That being said, sensor manufacturers, especially European ones, typically adhere to some standards.

The measuring process takes places in laboratories and there might be minor di erences across di erent labs. However, in Europe, the results you would get at independent testing would likely be very similar to what the manufacturers state.

With system NETD, the story is di erent. Because it’s altered with algorithms, regulating it is like regulating the Wild West – nearly

impossible. At Pulsar, we believe that you should always look at the sensor NETD first, and only then take the system NETD into account. NETD in Pulsar devices

Up until recently, we didn’t share system NETD – we believed that sensor NETD was more objective. But from now on, when you look at the specs sheet of a Pulsar device, you’ll see two numbers: NETD and sNETD. The first will always be the sensor NETD, the number our manufacturer provides us with. The second one – System NETD – will be calculated after all the processing algorithms come into play.

The main reason we decided to introduce this second measure is to make your life slightly easier. With many manufacturers hiding their sensor NETD, it is hard for users to accurately compare the specs of thermal imaging devices. With sNETD available on our devices, you’ll be able to compare them to others more easily, while also having the true NETD value in mind. NETD on paper and NETD in action Now, with that being said, you should remember that these are paper values only. They are calculated in labs, not in the field. Plus, with the technology being so advanced, the existing di erences are often minor. Therefore, we always recommend testing the device in actual field conditions before purchasing if that’s possible. Then, there is one more thing to remember. While NETD is an important value for a thermal imager, there are multiple other factors that come into play when you’re out hunting. Optics have a huge influence on image quality. Housing can help dissipate internal heat and therefore influence how the thermal imager will perform over time. Screen quality will a ect how you see in extreme conditions. The list is endless, so always, always look at the whole picture.

Nelson Marine Centre becomes regions only 100% Yamaha Dealer

commitment to continuous improvement and delivering reliability for every marine adventure.

With a reputation for excellence, Nelson Marine Centre continues to provide a high standard in sales, servicing and support and it ensures customers receive the best Yamaha experience possible.

“Becoming the only 100% Yamahadedicated dealer in the region is a great feather in the cap and drives the team. Our team o ers specialist

advice, expert servicing, competitive pricing and the full range of Yamaha marine products,” says Pete Walters, Managing Director & Owner of Nelson Marine Centre.

From the high-performance Outboard range to the everpopular WaveRunners, as well as a comprehensive selection of marine accessories including Finance & Insurance options, Nelson Marine Centre remains the go-to destination for all Yamaha marine needs. The expert team is dedicated to keeping

customers on the water with trusted products and exceptional service.

Visit Nelson Marine Centre at 23 McGlashen Avenue, Richmond to explore the full Yamaha range and experience the di erence of a dedicated Yamaha dealership. Experience excellence on the water with Nelson Marine Centre –FUELLING YOUR ADVENTURE! Nelson Marine Centre Ltd (03) 544 0017

petew@nelsonmarine.co.nz

HUNT LIKE A PRO

Made in Europe

Chosen by professionals

Pulsar thermals are the first choice amongst professionals.

Our great range starts at $2599, representing great value for high quality, proven, European made thermal optics with advanced Lynred sensors.

HAND-HELD THERMALS

PULSAR AXION COMPACT

Lightweight, quick-change battery, robust and outstanding performance.

Perfect for bush-stalking, forestry and general use. Great value.

Choice of 384x288 or 640x480 sensors.

From $2599.00

PULSAR TELOS

Outstanding performance at long and short distance.

High capacity quick-change battery very lightweight. Available with 1000m laser rangefinder.

Choice of 384x288, 640x480 or 1024x768 sensors.

From $3999.00

PULSAR MERGER LRF

Immersive, comfortable viewing experience, up to 1500m laser rangefinder, high capacity quick-change battery with internal back-up, delivers the very best performance.

Choice of 640x480 or 1280x1024 sensors.

From $6799.00

THERMALS RIFLESCOPES

PULSAR THERMION

Professionals favourite. Quick-change battery with internal back-up, 30mm tube and integrates with Stream Vision Ballistics for reliable shot placement. Available with 1000m laser rangefinder.

Choice of 384x288, 640x480 or 1024x768 sensors.

From $5399.00

PULSAR TALION

Compact, quick-change battery, QD mount and integrates with Stream Vision Ballistics for reliable shot placement.

Choice of 384x288 or 640x480 sensors.

From $4999.00

Anyone who goes fishing wants the same thing – both a feed for today, and healthy fish numbers in the water for tomorrow, so handling practices and the gear used can make a real di erence.

Whether you’re choosing your fishing gear, putting back an under sized fish, you’ve hit your daily limit, or it’s not the fish you’re targeting, here are some tips to give returned fish the best chance of survival:

The best way to protect small fish is to not catch them, so use larger hooks and a bigger bait to make it less likely for undersized fish to be hooked. Use 6/0 or larger circle hooks for species like cod, which also are proven to minimise the risk of gut hooking. Only use small hooks like sabikis when targeting baitfish. If you’re catching mostly undersize fish in a spot, it’s time to move on. If you can, keep fish in the water while removing the hook if you’re going to be putting them back. If the fish is hooked in the gills or gut don’t lift it by the line. If you need to bring them onboard use a knotless or rubber mesh net, supporting the fish at all times.

When handling a fish you’re going to release, wear wet rubber gloves or wet your hands, and place it on a soft, wet surface to remove the hook. Avoid tightly gripping the gill or gut area and try to minimise the time out of water.

Gently push the hook back the way it came for mouth-hooked fish, using pliers if you need a better grip. Always cut the line for gut-hooked fish, cutting as close as possible to the mouth.

By following best handling practices you can give unwanted fish the best chance to survive and contribute to future spawning, making a real di erence for tomorrow’s fishery.

Return fish to the sea gently, head first, and from as close to the water as you can.

Avoid predation of your released fish by seabirds by using a downpipe, a descender weight, or by distracting birds with a splash on the other side of the boat. The most e ective strategy is to move on when predators turn up. Keeping your boat clean of bait scraps, fish waste, and other attractants can also help.

For more information you can check out the responsible fishing guidelines on the Fisheries New Zealand website: https://www.mpi. govt.nz/responsiblefishing

Following the fishing rules for your area is essential for sustainability. Make sure you’re up to date on daily catch limits, minimum legal sizes, and more by downloading the free NZ Fishing Rules App. Once downloaded, it will work even without mobile coverage.

Public consultation is underway on proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act.

Fisheries New Zealand is holding public online information sessions during the consultation period and encourage you to attend. Consultation runs through to 28 March.

The proposals aim to support the commercial fishing industry to be more e cient and productive, while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the marine environment.

The proposed changes leverage new data and tools to enhance fisheries management and include:

• proposals to improve responsiveness, e ciency, and certainty of decision-making; greater protection for on-board camera footage and ensuring the on-board camera programme is workable;

• implementing new rules for commercial fishers that set out when Quota Management System (QMS) fish must be landed and when they can be returned to sea.

The next public online information sessions will be held on:

Monday 3 March 2025, 3pm to 4pm, and Thursday 13 March 2025, 3pm to 4pm.

If you would like to attend one of these sessions, go to MPI’s website to register: mpi.govt.nz/fisheriesreformconsultation. You can also find the consultation document and further information about the proposals on MPI’s website, along with details about how you can make a submission.

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