Whitebait could face extinction

Many of New Zealand’s freshwater fish are endangered including whitebait. With the whitebaiting season underway, concerns about the future of whitebait are surfacing. Whitebait is a popular species to eat, traditionally turned into fritters.

According to the Department of Conservation, the population of whitebait and their parents is declining. New Zealand is home to five galaxiid whitebait species, three of which are now listed as at risk of extinction.

A number of factors are contributing to the decline of the species including water quality. Dr Joy, senior lecturer in ecology and environmental science, spoke to Radio NZ saying that if things remain as they are, that New Zealand would lose its native migratory fish, including its whitebait species, by 2050.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding the public to be aware of the whitebait regulations during the 2014 season.

DOC staff will be out patrolling fishing sites and talking to fishers to check they are abiding with the Whitebait Regulations. The public are reminded that fishing is permitted between 5:00 am and 8:00 pm or between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm when daylight saving comes into effect.

You can help ensure whitebait are here in the future by planting and fencing stream edges and reporting any overhanging culverts to your local DOC or Regional Council Office. For more information head to www.doc.govt.nz.

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Whitebait at risk of extinction

Whitebait patrols to save declining delicacy

Whitebait season: 15 August