Recreational fisher apprehended selling oysters

11 July 2011

A 31-year-old Dargaville man was apprehended by fishery officers and his vehicle seized after selling oysters to a number of people in the Dargaville area on Monday, 4 July 2011.

The oysters were being offered at $20.00 a bag with each bag containing 2 ½ dozen oysters. Approximately four sales were made in the community.

As a result, the man now faces serious charges against the Fisheries Act 1996 with a maximum fine of $250,000 and the forfeiture of his vehicle.

It is illegal to sell any fish that is not obtained from a commercial fisher or fish farm.

Any person who purchases illegal fish can also be liable to prosecution and face fines of up to $250,000.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Ministry on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476224).