DOC criticised for permitting eel catch

The Green Party is "appalled" fishermen have been granted concessions allowing them to catch rare eels on the West Coast.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has granted three five-year concessions giving commercial fishermen access to catch the eels in the region's lakes and rivers.

Kevin Hague, Green Party MP, said the native longfin eel and shortfin eel and the Australian longfin eel would be affected.

"DOC would never dream of allowing commercial hunters to kill great spotted kiwi or little blue penguins. Our native eels are just as threatened, so why is DOC treating them differently?" heasked.

Hague said it showed a lack of communication between the department and the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish), which oversees eel harvesting.

MFish inshore fisheries team leader Steve Halley said: "MFish is responsible for managing the eel fishery to ensure sustainability. Accordingly, we do not liaise with DOC over issues of commercial fishing permits or concessions."

He said the ministry had confidence in management measures to increase eel numbers.

- © Fairfax NZ News