Fisheries officers in New Zealand have stopped a group of commercial fishers in the Thames region on North Island who were allegedly under-reporting catches and unlawfully supplying snapper to an Auckland fish supply business.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been investigating allegations into the unlawful trade of commercially caught fish from the lower firth of Thames into the Auckland area. Eight people have been interviewed and could face prosecution.
MPI's team manager of fisheries compliance in the western North Island, Andre Espinoza, said that the group may have supplied more than 20 tonnes of unreported fish over the past 12 months. "There are measures in place to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries including accurate and truthful catch reporting. Those who don't respect the rules will be appropriately dealt with under the law," he said.
In December, 45 fishery officers and the New Zealand Police conducted searches at five locations. Electronic devices including phones and computers were seized and are undergoing analysis.
During the searches, over NZ$25,000 in cash was seized along with six commercial fishing vessels and a refrigerated truck. Approximately 800kg of undocumented grey mullet and kahawai were located, along with 230kg of undocumented snapper.
Fishery officers have increased patrols over the summer season and are closely monitoring the area.
