Toheroa takers warned by MPI

Side by side it is easy to tell the difference between toheroa and tuatua but it seems to be proving difficult for some shellfish gatherers in Northland. Photo / Supplied

Shellfish collectors on Northland's west coast are being warned to know the difference between species, with five people facing prosecution for allegedly taking 214 toheroa.

An honorary fishery officer stopped the five people in a vehicle on Bayleys Beach about midday on Sunday and discovered the shellfish, which cannot be disturbed or removed unless people have a customary permit.

The shellfish were counted and photographed before they were returned to the sea.

The officer's report on the incident will be considered by Ministry of Primary Industry staff, who will decide whether afine should be issued.

People caught with, or having disturbed, fewer than 50 toheroa face a $500 instant infringement fine. If an incident involves more than 50, the accused will go to court and be prosecuted, facing a maximum fine of $20,000.

MPI officers said Tuatua beds were far more plentiful and accessible on the beaches south of Dargaville than for many years. Small toheroa and mature tuatua look similar and often sit together in the same beds, a spokesman said.

MPI compliance staff are regularly meeting people on the beach who they have spoken to previously and "99 per cent of people have it right the second time".

Toheroa shells are more brittle and slightly rounder than tuatua. The usually smaller tuatua has a slightly glossy shell, compared with the dull shell of the toheroa.

Another simple test is to sit the shellfish on their base on the sand, with the sharp end standing up. A tuatua should stay standing, balanced on the flat base, while the toheroa, which has a lump on the base of the shell, should fall over.

Honorary fisheries officers spend a lot of time at Baylys Beach and on average there are about 10 incidents investigated a week.

"Evidence suggests there are some repeat offenders and people who are intentionally targeting the Toheroa. These people have been sent infringement notices or summonsed to attend court."

MPI encourages people to report any suspicious fishing activity to 0800 476 224. All calls are treated as confidential.