MFish reminds recreational fishers not to sell, barter or trade their catch

18 December 2008

The Ministry of Fisheries is reminding the public that selling, bartering or trading recreational catch is illegal. Recreational fishers who are caught selling, bartering or trading their catch are at risk of having their assets sized (such as their car, boat or trailer) and receiving a fine of up to $250,000 or even imprisonment.

“We do know that some people are looking at ways to save and make extra dollars” says Andrew Coleman, MFish National Manager of Fisheries Compliance

“Selling, bartering or trading items is fine, as long as it’s legal. To do so with recreationally landed fish is illegal and you will face hefty penalties if caught,” he says.

It is illegal to barter seafood as bartering is specifically included within a wide definition of ‘sale’ contained within the Fisheries Act 1999. This prohibition covers all marine fish and shellfish and some fresh water fish including the likes of eels and koura. The only exception is whitebait, which can be sold.

For more information on the rules regarding selling, bartering or trading fish please visit fish.co.nz or contact your local MFish office.

“While bartering seafood is illegal it would be naïve to think it doesn’t either already occur or that it won’t increase in tougher economic times. We want to inform people that if they are planning to do it, don’t, as it is illegal and you will get caught,” says Mr Coleman.

This public reminder is part of the MFish ‘Size Does Matter’ summer fishing rules awareness campaign. During the summer season MFish will be reminding and educating fishers to find out the rules for the place where they fish, before they go fishing.

“Over the summer months we will be continually emphasising the need for people to check the fishing rules before they go fishing. All the information they need is on our website at fish.govt.nz or simply by visiting or calling your local MFish office,” says Mr Coleman.

“We are not here just to police our fisheries, we are here to inform and educate fishers on responsible fishing. We all have to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the right to our wonderful marine resource.”