UPDATE: Three face fines for fish sales from boot

Three people selling freshly-caught mullet from the boot of their vehicles in different Northland locations have had their cars seized and face prosecution.

Recreational anglers are being warned they risk prosecution if caught selling their catch and those buying the fish also face stiff penalties.

Officials were alerted to the fish sales last Thursday when members of the public used a hotline number to report the illegal activity in Whangarei and Kerikeri.

In one incident, a 50-year-old woman was caught selling mullet for $5-$9 per fish from her car in the carpark of Bunnings in Whangarei.

In the other incident a middle-aged man and woman were also caught selling mullet from the boot of their car on the side of the road leading to Kerikeri. The fresh mullet was on sale for $3-$5 a fish.

Ministry for Primary Industries compliance manager for Northland Darren Edwards said fish could only be sold by commercial fishermen or commercially-operated fish retailers.

While fisheries officers were unsure how much fish had been sold by the Whangarei women there was about 30kg of fresh mullet remaining while the Kerikeri couple had up to 40kg still for sale.

All the fish was seized as were the vehicles.

The individuals are likely to face prosecution under the Fisheries Act 1996 which carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

Mr Edwards said those caught buying fish from non-commercial anglers were also subject to a fine of up to $100,000.

Officers believe the fish being sold were excess to requirements after fishing trips.

"Fishers need to plan their fishing activities before leaving and to make sure they're aware of the recreational fishing regulations regarding what they can and can't do with their fish," Mr Edwards said.

He urged people to report illegal activity to 0800 4 POACHER.