Police have seized nets, waders and other equipment after catching two men illegally whitebaiting last night in western Southland.
Along with the Department of Conservation, police had been running the joint Operation Īnaka, focused on catching illegal whitebaiters in the area.
The men were located near the Waiau River mouth, as police ran a third enforcement night to target those whitebaiting outside the legal season, which ended on October 31.
Western Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said it is “disappointing” the men were fishing illegally.
Graham said police would be referring the incident to the Department of Conservation to consider prosecution action.
“I encourage all whitebaiters to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations around fishing activity, in order to avoid any confusion,” said Graham.
Police urge the community to report any illegal or suspicious activity by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.
