Government prosecutors who this morning laid fresh charges against the captain and navigational officer of the Rena also have their sights on the stricken ship's owners.
Costamare Shipping could also find themselves prosecuted, according to Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith today.
The new charges under the Resource Management Act laid
against the pair carry financial penalties of up to $300,000 for an individual and up to $600,000 for a company.
Dr Smith said the Government had a six-month time-frame to pursue a prosecution against the company, "and that is something officials are looking at".
"The Government is of a view we need to throw the full force of the law at those responsible, not only for the deaths of over 1400 birds but also pollution to tens of kilometres of beaches," Dr Smith said.
"In fact, it would be remiss given that it is New Zealand's worst maritime environmental disaster if there was not a prosecution under the RMA."
