Wellington men caught with significant haul of illegal Paua

Two Porirua men were caught by fisheries officers late last week at
Titahi Bay Beach with an illegal haul of 364 paua.

Fishery officers observed the two men from land before intercepting
them at sea where the men tried to dump the illegal haul overboard.

The men, a forty-two year-old and a thirty-seven year-old, had their
dive gear and boat seized by fisheries officers.

Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington District Compliance
Manager, Mike Green says that it’s really disappointing when people
do not comply with the catch limits or fisheries regulations.

“Nearly all of the three-hundred and sixty four paua seized were
undersized and this is a real frustration because it can have harmful
effects on future paua stock in the area,” says Mr Green.

“It is also unfortunate in this case that the vessel used appears
to be jointly owned by an unrelated party. MPI frequently seize
vessels, vehicles and dive equipment which have been used in the
course of offending which are owned by a third party. In most cases
these items are not able to be returned to their rightful owners for
several months, if at all.”

The national paua limit is ten paua per person per day. Blackfoot
paua must be a minimum of 125 millimetres for consumption nationally
(excluding some areas in the Taranaki region).

The men could individually face penalties of up to five years
imprisonment, and fines of up to $250,000.

“It is important to comply with catch limits as this increases
species sustainability and ensures future fish stocks for
generations.”

Fishery officers ask the public to report any suspicious activity in
our fisheries by phoning 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224).

For further information about recreational fishing limits visit
www.fish.govt.nz

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