Charges Laid Against Master Of Korean Vessel

13 July 2001

The Ministry of Fisheries has confirmed that charges were laid yesterday against the master of a Korean fishing vessel, Don Wong 519.

The vessel had been ordered into port at Timaru after being boarded by Fishery Officers in Cook Strait on 29 June.

Head of the investigation team, Murray Pridham said three types of charges had been laid against the master. These included making false entries into returns required by Fisheries reporting regulations; taking fish other than in accordance with a fishing permit; and the discarding of quota species.

The investigation is continuing and further charges may be considered.

Mr Pridham said the investigation had required close co-operation between the Ministry of Fisheries, the NZ Defence Force, NZ Police and NZ Customs.

No further details of charges will be available until the matter is called in the Wellington District Court on 8 August 2001.

Ends

For more information please contact: