Otago/Timaru district manager Ian Henderson said some fishers were unaware of the reduction from 15 to 10 blue cod in the Southern blue cod management area south of Taiaroa Head, but there were very few incidents. ‘‘We have been made aware of a few fishers using undersized blue cod for bait and would like to remind fishers that undersize blue cod must be returned to the sea immediately and must not be used as bait.’’This behaviour threatened the sustainability of the blue cod fisheries. Mr Ham said set nets remained a focus for fishery officers. ‘‘We are confiscating illegal set nets regularly. ‘‘Recently, we found three set nets tied together, covering 160m in length.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 26, 2026 17:44 UTC