OVERSTAYERS CAUGHT IN FISHERIES INVESTIGATION

4 April 2002

A Ministry of Fisheries investigation into an alleged fisheries offence has resulted in four overstayers being removed back to Thailand.

Last Sunday a tip off from the general public led to Fisheries Officers from the Ministry of Fisheries Napier office checking a group of Thai people who had been camped overnight at Aropaoanui Beach in northern Hawkes Bay.

On checking their two day catch, Fisheries Officers found the four people involved were in possession of 89 paua, of which 87 were undersize.

A further check of the area where they had camped revealed a buried bag, containing 9.45 kg of shucked paua, a total of 127 paua, of which 114 were undersize.

The four fishers were unable to provide full details of their activities and further enquiries revealed they had overstayed their permits and were of interest to the Immigration Service. They were interviewed yesterday, three were removed to Thailand today and the fourth will go on Saturday.