Two people are being investigated by the Department of Conservation for allegedly breaching whitebait fishing regulations in Marlborough.
DOC communications adviser Trish Grant said one person was suspected of fishing with two nets instead of one, and another was believed to have started whitebaiting before the permitted 6am start time.
The whitebaiters' nets were confiscated and further action could be taken, Ms Grant said.
DOC South Marlborough community relations manager Colin Davis said whitebait had been running well in the past 10 days or so, with some "significant catches" being reported this week. That seemed to have led to some rule-breaking, he said.
"There's a lot of people out there really enjoying themselves, and a lot of people enjoying the opportunity to catch a feed for the family, but sadly there's people out there that are trying to beat the system."
Conditions on the river this year were far better than last year, he said.
Most whitebaiters spoken to by The Marlborough Express at the Wairau Diversion yesterday said they did not know of anyone breaking the rules, but said those who did were greedy and were not playing fair.
Shane Middlemiss, of Blenheim, said he had seen a few people with two nets, and saw DOC workers checking nets at the Diversion over Labour Weekend.
Mr Davis said DOC staff would continue to monitor Marlborough's popular whitebaiting spots to make sure everyone was sticking to the rules. "It's only a minority that will try to beat the system. However, any infringements will not be tolerated."
People who break whitebaiting regulations face fines of up to $5000. The whitebait season ends on November 30.
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