Extra staff bolster summer ranging efforts

Otago Fish & Game has reeled in extra staff to help with the higher workload over the summer season.

Teams of rangers have been on the region’s rivers and lakes over the Christmas and New Year break, checking angler compliance.

Nina Hennig and Blake Harper have been employed to bolster the staff and honorary rangers frequenting popular fishing destinations and boat ramps in the Central Otago and Lakes districts.

Ms Hennig and Mr Harper will continue their roles for the next few weeks, offering advice and ensuring anglers are following the rules.

They are also surveying anglers about their catches to improve knowledge for fisheries management.

Otago Fish & Game field officer Ben Sowry said despite variable weather at the start of the holiday period, anglers from around the country were enjoying some stunning summer days in the region.

Compliance had been excellent with more than 97% of anglers checked over a two-week period fishing legally.

“Most anglers were licensed and using legal fishing methods over the holidays,” Mr Sowry said.

“Unfortunately, a small number of anglers were found fishing without a current sports fishing licence, which is the most common offence we encounter.”