You cannot use hazardous substances, narcotic substances, or electric fishing devices in water to take or destroy freshwater fish. If you do this, you are breaking the law. You can find out what a hazardous substance is by looking at the definition in section 2(1) of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

Some people are allowed to use these things in water, like warranted officers or people who have written permission from the Director-General, the Director, or the appropriate Fish and Game Council. These people can use hazardous substances, narcotic substances, or electric fishing devices in water to take or destroy freshwater fish. They are exempt from the rule that applies to you.

If you break this rule, you commit an infringement offence, which means you have done something wrong and may get in trouble. You must follow the law and not use hazardous substances, narcotic substances, or electric fishing devices in water to take or destroy freshwater fish. This law is in place to protect freshwater fish and the environment.