Northland fish seller apprehended

1 December 2009

Last week Fishery Officers assisted by Police apprehended a Northland man illegally selling kina in Dargaville’s main street.

The man, who had collected the kina from the east coast the previous day, had the kina in bags of 12 which he was advertising for sale at $10 a bag.

Sixteen bags containing a total of 192 kina, a quantity of cash, and a Toyota vehicle were seized. The man now faces charges of illegally selling fish contrary to the Fisheries Act 1996.

The sale or barter of recreationally caught fish is a very serious offence attracting penalties of up to a $250,000 fine and forfeiture of any property used in the commission of the offence. Such property may include vessels, vehicles and equipment such as dive and fishing gear.

“The public are reminded that it is an offence to sell fish unless you are a commercial fisher or you have bought the fish from a licensed fish receiver,” said Darren Edwards, Ministry of Fisheries Northland Field Operations Manager.

It is also an offence to purchase unlawfully taken fish. “While there are hawkers who sell legally from roadside stalls and vehicles, the Ministry advises people to be extremely cautious of fish being offered for sale door to door or from the boot of a car,” Mr Edwards said.

If members of the public are in any way suspicious or have concerns about the legality of any fish being offered for sale, they should report such activity to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224).