Hold your Horses on Manukau Scallops

25 August 2009

The Ministry of Fisheries today called on recreational fishers not to jump the gun on scallop gathering on Manukau Harbour.

The season doesn’t start until 1 September but Fishery Officers have noticed some fishers getting in early.

“This may be the result of the Manukau season now being the same as for the rest of the Auckland area other than Kaipara Harbour,” said Ministry of Fisheries District Compliance Manager Ian Bright.

“We will look to work with fishers to remind them that the season hasn’t started yet,” Mr Bright said. “However, we won’t hesitate to prosecute persistent offenders and I would ask members of the public to call 0800 4 POACHER if they see anything suspicious.”

An announcement on the official start of the Auckland scallop season will be made shortly.