Archives For native fish

Today’s photo of whitebaiters in the surf near Okarito River mouth during the 2006 season, reminds us that the 2014 whitebait season is about to get started.

Whitebaiting in the surf near Okarito River mouth, West Coast, New Zealand.

The season runs from 15 August until 30 November, except the West Coast of the South Island when it runs from 1 September until 14 November.

Whitebait are the juveniles of five native fish species from the galaxiid family and, while we want you to enjoy your fishing and your fritters, make sure you fish according to the regulations so that future generations can enjoy them too.

I’m all for a whitebait fritter, but I wonder how many people realise that they are eating the young of some of our rare native fish as they chow down on this kiwi classic?

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