Fishery officers make paua seizures in the Wairarapa

19 December 2008

Fishery Officers in the Wairarapa have noticed an increase in activity from those travelling to the local beaches to collect seafood. Last week saw two separate groups apprehended with excess and undersize Paua from Ngawi and Tora / Te Awaiti areas. Both groups from the Manawatu had between them 250 Paua, 95% of which were undersize.

“This total disregard of fisheries rule and the subsequent depletion of paua stocks will not be tolerated”, said Ray McKay MFish District Compliance Manager, “both groups will face prosecution for breaches of Fisheries legislation”

With warmer and more settled weather in the Wairarapa more people are out fishing and traditionally this time of year fishers and divers attempt to stock up on Rock Lobster, Paua and finfish for the Christmas break. Fishers and divers can expect fishery officer patrols and inspections throughout the summer months.

“We want everyone to enjoy fishing this summer, but those who are considering ignoring fishing rules for their own benefit should be aware that they will be caught and punished”

MFish are running the ‘Size Does Matter’ awareness campaign throughout the summer season, to appeal to fishers to check the rules for what and where they want to fish, before they go fishing. All fishing rules are available by visiting their website or by calling your nearest MFish office.

If members of the public witness any suspicious or illegal fishing they should contact MFish on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224).