Fish and Game is inviting angler and public feedback on potential rule changes that manage the catch of sub-adult lake-type salmon at Lake Heron.
Lake Heron, located in the South Island, is a distinctive salmon fishery that provides a popular fishery of sub-adult lake-type salmon.
After rearing in the lake for two to four years, lake-type salmon migrate to the Pacific Ocean and return to Lake Heron as adult sea-run salmon to spawn in a tributary stream.
Although the sea-run salmon populations of Canterbury are at critically low levels, the salmon numbers returning to spawn in the Lake Heron tributary remain stable.
The Central South Island Fish and Game Council is consulting its fishing licence holders and the wider public on a range of options.
Rules could be introduced to manage sub-adult lake-type salmon catch when sea-run salmon populations of the Canterbury fishery are within the “severe” population management band.
The options may impact both trout and salmon anglers at Lake Heron and include reducing the daily bag limit for salmon and temporary closure of the fishery to trout and salmon fishing.
The consultation opens today, January 5. Central South Island Region sports fishing licence holders will be emailed the survey directly, and the survey will also be made publicly available on the Fish and Game website.
Submissions close on January 30. An information pack outlining the regulatory options and fishery background is available to read before completing the survey.
Steve McKnight, chief executive of Central South Island Fish and Game, emphasises the importance of balancing risk with opportunity and the importance of angler input in reaching management decisions
“We are facing a critical moment for our sea-run salmon fishery. We must consider the risk of further decline in the sea-run fishery holistically but not lose sight of maintaining sustainable fishing traditions at Lake Heron.
“Anglers are at the heart of this fishery, and their feedback will be considered when determining which rules, if any, are necessary.
“We know changes can impact fishing opportunities and traditions so we want to hear from people that may be affected.
“This consultation is about understanding all viewpoints to reach pragmatic fishery management outcomes.”
The Council will review the submissions before making any recommendations on regulatory changes.
