This news comes from New Zealand, but I wanted to pass along there new regulation law for catfish. I will post about the catfishing part from there Press Release here, but you can read the entire Press Release at the link below if you are interested.

Starting on April 1st, if you fish in New Zealand, you will be required to kill any catfish immediately after catching them. There reason you ask? Here is what they say:

Catfish prey on small native fish and fish eggs, stir up sediment and degrade waterways. They can also survive out of water for long periods and are difficult to kill.

Further reading up on this, it seems that the Environment Waikato Regional Council (New Zealand) has classed catfish as a pest. Here is there statement:

Catfish (Amieurus nebulous) are classed as pests in the Regional Pest Management Strategy. They are widespread throughout the Waikato River catchment, as well as in the Piako and Waitoa Rivers. Catfish are also found in Lake Taupo. Although they are not believed to affect the lake’s trout fishery, research is underway to confirm this.

Catfish eat both plants and animals, including freshwater snails, koura, bullies, smelt and juvenile trout.

What are your thoughts on this? You can discuss this topic at the link below.
Changes to amateur fishing regulations :: Katmasters Catfishing Club