Fish and Game warns you need to engage to protect your trout fishery

Only a few days left to have your say on protecting trout!

Dear Angler,

A big thank you to all trout anglers who have rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the fight to protect trout, salmon and other freshwater sports fish from the worst provisions in the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill.

Your commitment to speaking out and making your voice heard is a valuable contribution to the fight.

If you have yet to have your say, time is running out.

Public submissions to the Parliamentary Select Committee considering the Bill close in only a few days – Thursday, October 25.

Don’t delay, make your submission now!

It is easy to do online – click here and down the page you’ll see the green bar that says ‘I’m ready to make my submission.’

If you don’t want to make your submission online, you can send a written one to the Select Committee. Just remember, you will need to include two copies and a covering letter.

Details on what to do and how to do it are here.

And for advice on how to actually write a submission and what to say, have a look here.

While you are on line, take time to sign the anglers’ petition on Parliament’s website.

Go here and add your name to the thousands who have already signed.

Meanwhile, Fish & Game is continuing to fight for your rights and making the strongest possible case to politicians and officials on why the Bill as it presently stands needs to be changed.

We believe it is possible to have a Bill which protects our indigenous fish without threatening trout, angling and the valuable economic and cultural contribution they make as a highly valued introduced species.

Fish & Game is preparing a detailed written submission to the Select Committee and will also address the Committee members directly in an oral submission.

But as time runs out, we need you to make sure politicians know what your views are.

Write to your MP, the Prime Minister and political party leaders and tell them what you think.

Advice on how to do this is available on the Fish & Game website here.

We urge angling clubs in particular to represent their members’ interests by making appointments to see their local MP to tell them they oppose the Bill’s anti-trout provisions.

Remember your area may have both electorate and list MPs, so make sure you visit them all in their electorate offices.

For details on how to contact your MP, along with more information on the Bill and advice on how to fight it, visit the Fish & Game website.

And another reminder to sign the petition registering your opposition to the Bill and asking for it to be changed. Go here to sign the petition.

ACT NOW – THE FUTURE OF TROUT FISHING DEPENDS ON YOU!

Fish & Game NZ