Fisheries New Zealand fishery officers caught two divers with 369 undersized pāua at Sponge Bay in Gisborne. Pictured are the seized pāua, before they were returned to the sea. Photo / Ministry for Primary Industries
Fisheries New Zealand fishery officers caught two divers with 369 undersized pāua at Sponge Bay in Gisborne. Pictured are the seized pāua, before they were returned to the sea. Photo / Ministry for Primary Industries
Fisheries New Zealand is considering prosecution after fishery officers caught two divers with 369 undersized pāua in Gisborne.
Officers were patrolling the coast around Sponge Bay on Wednesday and inspected the pair’s catch.
“The divers were preparing to leave the area when they were stopped for a routine check oftheir catch. It was very disappointing to find they had 369 undersize pāua – the smallest pāua was only 56mm,” Jordan Cooper, Fisheries New Zealand district manager Gisborne/Whakatane, said.
Officers returned the pāua to the sea and seized the pair’s vehicle and diving gear.
Fisheries New Zealand was considering its next steps, including prosecution.
“When we find evidence of people deliberately breaking the rules, we will hold them to account. The rules are there for a reason – to keep our shared fisheries sustainable into the future," Cooper said.
“We strongly encourage anyone who is unaware of the rules to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app, which will provide you the latest rules, including closures and gear restrictions for any area you intend to fish.”
