New Zealand trout need more than a little help

In case Canadians thought that the recent changes to our Fisheries Act were substantive, the New Zealand govt is now planning on essentially eliminating habitat protection for trout and salmon. It's a scary change, one that pits agriculture, oil, gas, ahead of all else. This change, while trumping industrial use over all other values, may provide short term economic gain, however, the international repute and standards of trade will come under much scrutiny. Of course, New Zealand is banking on continued growth in trade with the Chinese - of whom most of us know their environmental standard. Please, if you have the time, please take the time to respond to this insanity through the means below. While you may or may not have ever fished New Zealand, plan to or not to travel there, this is a direct threat to the fabled waters. This summer, many waters were literally sucked dry by irrigation as New Zealand endured the worst drought in 30 years after the worst floods in 30 years hit the S Island. It is that sensitive to environmental condition yet the current govt is ready to give industrial use full reign, lock, stock, and barrel. This is a direct copy from New Zealand Fish & Game:   25th March 2013 Future of freshwater fishing under threat Dear Reel Life reader, The present government is hell-bent on wrecking the RMA. The key points are as follows: 1. The RMA is being dramatically changed to allow the development and degradation of sports fish and game habitat by farmers and industry. 2. Lowland streams will have no legal recognition so will become 'farm drains'. 3. Water Conservation Orders will ultimately go, with their previously recognised habitat protection and recreation values lost in one- size-fits-all 'regional plans'. 4. Practically all the substantive case law that has been developed over the years around environmental protection (much of it with Fish & Game licence fees), will be lost. 5. Current protection of the habitat of trout and salmon will be scrapped. This is a plea for all anglers to ensure they have their say on the future of the RMA, the only real safeguard we have against rampant, unsustainable development of the freshwater resources trout and salmon rely on for survival. You only have until 5.00pm April 2, 2013 to submit on the RMA. Submission on the equally devastating Freshwater Reform proposals must be received by 5.00pm April 8, 2013. Don't worry if you have never made a submission before – it can be as simple or as complex as you choose to make it, the most important thing is that you have a say. Information on how to make a submission, suggested points to make in your submission, and where to send it are on our RMA resource page here. Please, stand up for freshwater quality protection and the future of angling in this country – it's in your hands. Bryce Johnson Chief executive Fish & Game NZ

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