Brown Bullhead Catfish - Code of Practice

[kevin_wgtn]

Bumped into this on the MAF website today and thought it might impact some members ??? Especially those who go fishing in waters containing Bull head catfish. :bounce: :bounce:

http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultat ... efault.htm

MFish invites comments on a proposed Catfish Code of Practice that will

support the regulatory measures recently introduced.

The amateur fishing regulations were amended so that non-commercial fishers are now required to kill all catfish immediately on capture and only dead catfish may be possessed. The commercial fishing regulations were also amended so that commercial fishers are now only allowed to possess live catfish up until the time that they sell their catch to a licensed fish

receiver.

MFish has drafted a Code of Practice to help avoid catfish (of all

life-stages) from being unintentionally released into new waterways. It is

proposed that the Code of Practice will include the periodic cleaning of

nets and fishing gear in salt baths and the inspection and cleaning of boats and trailers before leaving boat ramps. Commercial fishers are also

encouraged through the Code of Practice to kill any catfish that are not

destined for sale.

MFish invites your comments on the draft Code of Practice by 31st August

2007.

Go to the MFish website to Download the draft Catfish Code of Practice:

Brown Bullhead Catfish - Code of Practice (PDF: 64KB)

MFish welcomes written submissions on the draft Code of Practice. Written

submissions are due by 5pm 31st August 2007 and should be sent to:

Eve Oatley

Ministry of Fisheries

PO Box 19747

Avondale

Auckland 1746

[email protected]

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Eve Oatley at

the above email address or on (09) 820 7696.