Black market fishing operations shut down

The illegal trading of 600 crayfish was discovered as part of the operation. Photo / iStock

Black market fishing operations have been shut down and assets seized in operations around the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne today.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said its compliance officers moved in on illegal fishing operations at Hastings, Napier and Mahia, where recreational and commercial fishers were suspected of illegally selling paua and crayfish.

The illegal trading of 1.8 tonnes of paua and 600 crayfish was discovered as part of the operation.

Search warrants were carried out at 22 properties and 31 people were interviewed. Commercial fishing premises in Hastings and Napier were also inspected.

Officers seized one commercial fishing vessel, three recreational fishing vessels, one tractor and 11 vehicles that were connected to the illegal trading.

MPI compliance director Dean Baigent said the ministry had been gathering information on black market fishing and trading in Hawkes Bay since March 2014.

He said during this time a special duties officer for MPI became involved in the black market activities.

Commercial fishing premises in Hastings and Napier were being investigated due to their suspected involvement in the illegal trade of shell fish.

Mr Baigent said the theft of paua and crayfish undermined the sustainability of both fisheries, putting them at risk for genuine fishers, whether they were customary, commercial or recreational.

"It is MPI's role to ensure people are fishing by the rules and to protect New Zealand's fisheries for future generations. As this operation would indicate, it is something we take very seriously."

It is illegal to sell a recreational fishing catch with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.