Three Far North commercial fishers could be hit with a stiff fine if they are convicted of not declaring a 700kg catch of crayfish worth $38,500.
Ministry of Fisheries officers seized the Whangaroa fishers' $550,000 boat, 50 crayfish pots and a four-wheel-drive vehicle worth $8000, after they watched the boat for
three months. During 10 fishing trips around the Far North, it is alleged the fishers under-reported their crayfish catch by 700kg - equivalent to almost 900 crayfish.
Ministry of Fisheries Northland district compliance manager Dave Turner said the men would most likely face charges, which could land them in jail for up to five years and/or bring fines up to $250,000 and the permanent seizure of their boat, pots and vehicle.
"It's something we're very concerned about because it could have a serious impact on fish stocks.
"Crayfish are a high-value species and while this has been a good year for crayfish, it's something we need to stay on top of because they can be threatened very quickly," Mr Turner said.
The men were supplying the crayfish to a large company, and most would have been exported.
Mr Turner said the men had since had their gear returned, under conditions, so they could earn a living.
