Over the past few months we have seen an alarming increase in set netting on Hibiscus Coast (New Zealand) Residential Beaches. The people who are putting out these nets (large box nets c. 60m x 60m) are showing no regard the familes who are swimming and walking on the beaches and are setting nets near or even below the low water mark. They are also driving and parking their vehicles on these residential beaches. These box nets are a significant risk to marine mamals and children and not appropriate for Residential Beaches in the area. I am a resident of Hatfields Beach where these nets are set at least twice a week. My neighbours have expressed similar concerns to my own. When we try and contact the Ministry of Fisheries about the matter there is no answer or they take a message and nothing ever happens. No one even comes to check if the nets are legally set or calls us back. When we contact the Council or the police they say that set nets are not illegal and that there is nothing they can do. We do not believe we live in a third world country where people need to subsist by set netting in residential beaches. The marine life in the areas is already stripped bare. If you believe that set nets should be banned on Hibiscus Coast Residential Beaches, please sign this petition or leave some comments. This petition will be delivered to Rodney District Council and the Ministry of Fisheries in due course. This petition has only just been launched.

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