Canterbury people appear to be heeding warnings about contaminated whitebait in the region's waterways, say health officials.
Many rivers and streams have been contaminated by sewerage and other waste water from pipes damaged in last month's earthquake.
A warning was issued a week ago not to catch whitebait from Canterbury's waterways. Consuming whitebait could cause gastroenteritis and hepatitis.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey says it appears whitebaiters have taken notice of the warning, and fewer have been seen about the waterways.
Dr Humphrey says anyone seen whitebaiting will be moved on by police.
