6 July 2012

A fifty eight year-old Christchurch man was sentenced in Christchurch
District Court yesterday for selling his recreationally caught rock
lobster.

Mark Webster on three occasions sold a total of 143 rock lobster for
$2,100 to an undercover fishery officer. The sales took place in
Kaikoura and Christchurch.

Mr Webster was fined $2,400 and had his $25,000 boat forfeited
including a freezer, boiler, fishing pots, and 72 rock lobster.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Canterbury/Westland District
Compliance Manager Peter Hyde says that it is an offence for
recreational fishers to sell their catch.

“The outcome of this case sends a strong message to those who
choose to offend,” says Mr Hyde.

“It is illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch.
Recreationally caught fish are for your own personal consumption.

“If members of the public are offered rock lobster at a cheap price
with no documentation they should not assume they have been taken by a
legitimate commercial fisher who has a permit and quota.”

Under the Fisheries Act 1996 the maximum penalties for selling your
recreational catch to obtain a benefit is 5 years’ imprisonment
and/or a $250,000 fine.

“This summer we will be actively targeting recreational fishers who
choose to abuse the fishery regulations and limits. The public also
play an important role in helping us catch these people.

“Public reporting of fishery poaching and recreational fishing
breaches are invaluable and help us protect and sustain our fish
stock for future generations.”

If you see any suspicious activity in our fisheries we urge you to
contact us by phoning our free phone hotline 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476
224). All calls are in confidence.

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