13 October 2011

Oyang 75 leaves Port Lyttelton

The Ministry of Fisheries reported today that the commercial fishing vessel Oyang 75 had sailed from Port Lyttelton.

The vessel had been in port since 7 July 2011.

Andrew Coleman, Deputy Director General Compliance and Response, said while the Oyang 75 had been in port the Ministry had investigated the alleged discarding of fish by the vessel and other serious fisheries offences.

“The New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS) requires commercial fishers to land QMS fish caught to a New Zealand Licensed Fish Receiver,” Mr Coleman said. “This fish must be accurately reported to the Ministry to be counted against their available quota. Failure to land and report fish undermines the QMS and can lead to overfishing.”

The investigations have led to 26 charges being laid against five Korean officers including the captain of the Oyang 75.

The first hearing date is in the Christchurch District Court on 17 November 2011.

Depending on the outcome, the Oyang 75 may become forfeit to the New Zealand Government.

“To protect the Government’s interest, the Ministry has allowed the vessel to leave New Zealand after the owners of the Oyang 75, Sajo Oyang Corporation of Korea, agreed to a bond over the vessel and other security held by the Ministry,” Mr Coleman said.

“Because the matter is now before the court and the investigation is continuing, the Ministry is not able to make any further comment at this time.”

ENDS

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