A petition calling for better protection for the Rangitata Fiver has been launched. Anglers are calling on Environment Canterbury to properly protect the Rangitata River as required under the river’s Conservation Order (WCO)
A New Zealand Salmon Anglers Association deputation intends to formally present the petition to ECan in May, virus lockdown allowing.
Central South Island Fish and Game, supports the move. The WCO has been in existence since 2006.
NZSAA spokesman Paul Hodgson said anglers were alarmed that the Rangitata River was now in a degraded state and that the WCO has not been obeyed in intent.
Key to the protest was the removal of a cap on irrigation which was part of the WCO decision.
Central South Island Fish and Game chief executive Jay Graybill said the organisation strongly supported the Salmon Anglers’ Association’s deputation.
