| What is option4? |
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option 4 is a group of recreational fishers committed to achieving a fair outcome in the ongoing debate regarding how Government allows for non-commercial fishing, both recreational and customary.
The group formed in the year 2000 as a response to the Ministry of Fisheries' public consultation process we know as "Soundings", where three options for managing non-commercial catch were promoted.
"Soundings" was an attempt to give fixed proportions of each fishery as a finite share. This was unfair, as a fixed share would not allow for population increases or the needs of future generations. If the share was insufficient recreational fishers would have to buy quota from the fishing industry to make up the shortfall.
It was obvious to option4 that the proposals in "Soundings" were a real threat to recreational fishing.
option 4 mobilised. An unprecedented 60,000 plus submissions were made - 98.5% supported option4.
These people supported and believed in option4's four principles:
1. A priority right over commercial fishers for free access to a reasonable daily bag limit to be written into legislation.
2. The ability to exclude commercial methods that deplete recreationally important areas.
3. The ability to devise plans to ensure future generations enjoy the same or better quality of rights while preventing fish conserved for recreational use being given to the commercial sector.
4. No licensing of recreational fishers.
option 4 is very active and thorough. They follow the scientific process closely and make well-founded submissions on shared fisheries every year.
option4 consult widely and are proud of their open and transparent processes. They have compiled a vast amount of resources regarding non-commercial fishing on the web at www.option4.co.nz
option4 continues to fight for the public's right to fish for food and better access to catch a reasonable daily bag limit.
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| Identifying Fish |
| The Fish identification system is now online. Come and have a try at identifying some of our most common species of fish. Not sure how to differentiate a sand flounder from a yellowbelly flounder? Here is where you can find out. |
| Send us your pictures |
| We want your fishing pics! Send us a picture of your great (and not so great!) fishing pics and we will load them here on the site. |
| Staying Safe while fishing |
| New Zealand has a long and fantastic coastline, and offers so many opportunities for boat, rock and beach fishing. But anyone can get into difficulty or worse when on and around the water. There are some basic things you can do to ensure that your fishing is safe and enjoyable. |
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