Fish & Game criticise “act of wanton vandalism”

Central South Island Fish & Game Region Chief Executive Jay Graybill is condemning an attack on a Mackenzie Country salmon farm as “an act of wanton vandalism” and is urging anyone with information about the incident to immediately contact the police.

The weekend attack on High Country Salmon’s Twizel farm saw holding nets containing salmon slashed, allowing around six thousand salmon to escape.  The fish are valued at $150,000.

“Fish & Game does not condone the action taken the criminals who cut the net and ropes and released the salmon into the Ohau canal system,” Jay Graybill says.

Mr Graybill says Fish & Game will be stepping up its ranging operations in the area.

“We understand that the fish illegally released are juveniles and approximately 200mm long, which means that none would be legal size to be kept by anglers.  Fish & Game rangers will prosecute any angler with fish under the size limit.”

He says the vandalism on High Country Salmon’s enclosures is disappointing and threatens years of good relations between the company and Fish & Game.

“High Country Salmon has been a good friend to Fish & Game throughout the South Island since the company started operations 17 years ago.  The company has regularly supported kid’s fishing day promotions as well as releasing excess salmon stocks for the benefit of anglers.

“This attack on their business may force the company to reassess the work it does with Fish & Game, hurting our law-abiding licence holders and the community,” Mr Graybill says.

Fish & Game is urging anglers who were in the area on Friday night and Saturday morning to come forward and assist the Police with their inquiries.

“We want the criminals caught and subjected to the full force of the law as no business should have to suffer the loss of $150,000 because of such thoughtless and wanton vandalism,” Mr Graybill says.

Anyone with information about the attack should contact their local Police station or ring 0800 Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).