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THE governing body responsible for setting down fishing regulations here has backed-down from a controversial proposal to introduce spin fishing on the only exclusively fly-fishing river in Gisborne and Wairoa — at least until it has “built some bridges”.
The Eastern Region Fish and Game Council decided unanimously to maintain the status quo of the Ruakituri River during Wednesday’s meeting to discuss proposed changes to the Anglers Notice, the document that sets down fishing regulations for the region.
A proposal to change the status of a stretch of the lower Ruakituri River to allow spin-fishing and to open the river to fishing all-year-round received a total of 41 submissions in opposition to the idea and just nine submissions in favour.
Council chairman Murray Ferris said a “common sense” and “democratic” decision had been made to maintain the existing status.
“We regret that our proposal became the subject of a great deal of misinformation and emotion – in particular the completely false suggestion that the whole river would be opened to spin fishing.
“The proposed change only ever applied to the lower section of the river but regrettably the facts were misrepresented.”
Mr Ferris said that the council also regretted not consulting more widely with local landowners over the spin fishing proposal.
“I am already on record saying that our staff will take steps to meet with landowners and try to better explain that the aim of the proposal had been to create opportunities for younger or novice anglers in particular to fish in a part of the renowned East Coast river — especially as the lower part is less heavily fished than the upper reaches.
“We freely acknowledge the need to now build some bridges.”
Fish and Game staff would now gather more information on the river’s fishery and consult with locals before any further steps are taken.
Wildlife consultant Sandy Bull said the Wairoa and Gisborne Angling clubs, which account for about 480 anglers, as well as the Ruakituri Residents Association had all objected to any change.
Mr Bull said there had been “overwhelming opposition” displayed at Wednesday’s “lively” meeting.
“Anglers are very pleased that the status quo has prevailed.”
Ruakituri Valley Residents Association representative David Withers also welcomed the decision.
“That’s the way it should be. We can’t understand the reason for wanting change, due to its historical value. It has been like that for ever and a day. Why change?”
However, the council has decided to restrict the use of motors and anchors for fishing in lakes Whakamarino and Kaitawa, to help protect the Lake Waikaremoana fishery from weed being transferred from these lakes.