Auckland scallop season closes today

31 March 2011

The Ministry of Fisheries reminds scallop fishers that the recreational fishing season in Auckland closes at midnight tonight, 31 March.

The area affected is the Auckland and Kermadec Fishery Management Area, which includes Northland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty and Kaipara Harbour.

Fishery Officers report generally good behaviour in the fishery over the summer season, with some exceptions.

Ministry of Fisheries Regional Manager Ian Bright said he was pleased with overall levels of compliance with the rules, except for a few fishers who were served with infringement notices for excess and / or undersized scallops.

“There are always those who are prepared to flout the rules and spoil things for everyone else – not to mention the scallop fishery,” Mr Bright said.

“For example, in Northland 420 fishers were inspected by Fishery Officers over the season. They noted good levels of compliance by most people. However, a number of warnings were given and infringement notices issued for excess or undersize scallops. Eight prosecutions were started in Northland for excess numbers of scallops, and dive gear and boats used in committing the offences were seized.”

Members of the public are reminded that if they see anyone taking scallops during the closed season or anything else suspicious in our fisheries, they should call 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) in confidence.

The next scallop season opens on 1 September this year.