Recreational fishers in the Marlborough Sounds are being encouraged to use a new app to report accidental capture of marine protected species, in a bid to help scientists better understand the impacts of recreational fishing.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is teaming up with hapū and iwi, fishers, community groups, councils, research and conservation organisations, and Fisheries New Zealand to reduce accidental catch and increase awareness of protected species.
Starting today, DOC is asking marine recreational fishers in the Marlborough Sounds to anonymously report accidental capture or interaction with mammals such as dolphins and seals, seabirds, sharks and other marine protected species.
“A recent survey shows that recreational fishers want to reduce their impacts,” says Dr Karen Middlemiss, Marine Science Advisor at DOC.
Fishers in the Sounds are encouraged to download the new ‘Protected Species Catch’ app, speak to DOC staff at a boat ramp, or dial
