Undersized pāua seized in Mahia
A joint operation by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and police has seen more than 150 undersized pāua returned to the sea in northern Hawke's Bay.
Last weekend fishery officers and police checked the haul of a few fishermen in Mahia and found 156 undersized pāua.
The pāua were returned to the sea, while the vehicle and gear of the alleged offenders, who may face prosecution, have been seized.
MPI director of compliance said: "It is extremely disappointing that greed and lack of consideration for the marine ecosystem is common among those we catch".
"Protecting our precious marine resources is not just the responsibility of fishery officers. Those resources belong to New Zealand and we all have a responsibility to act as guardians of those resources for future generations," Orr said.
Fisheries New Zealand and Police say they will continue combined operations to deter illegal fishing.
How to help protect NZ fishing stocks:
- If you become aware of any suspicious fishing activity, call us on 0800 4 POACHER or email ncc@mpi.govt.nz
- Before you go fishing or gathering seafood, brush up on the rules.
- Check the fishing rules for your area
- You can also download the NZ Fishing Rules app.
