Recreational rock lobster catch sold to undercover fishery officer
A Christchurch man has been sentenced in Christchurch District Court for selling his recreationally caught rock lobster.
Mark Webster on three occasions sold a total of 143 rock lobster for $2,100 to an undercover fishery officer. The sales took place in Kaikoura and Christchurch.
Mr Webster was fined $2,400 and had his $25,000 boat forfeited including a freezer, boiler, fishing pots, and 72 rock lobster.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Canterbury/Westland district compliance manager Peter Hyde says that it is an offence for recreational fishers to sell their catch.
“The outcome of this case sends a strong message to those who choose to offend,” says Mr Hyde.
“It is illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch. Recreationally caught fish are for your own personal consumption.
“If members of the public are offered rock lobster at a cheap price with no documentation they should not assume they have been taken by a legitimate commercial fisher who has a permit and quota.”