Crackdown on illegal fishing in Northland

Seven people face fines and charges after a crackdown on illegal catches of rock lobster around Northland's coastline.

Ministry of Fisheries fishery officers caught two men at Onerahi this week with 11 rock lobster. Ministry of Fisheries district compliance manager Gregory Reid said it was likely the men would face charges for alleged illegal sales of rock lobster and the removal of eggs from females. The men were caught on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, three people were caught with allegedly undersize rock lobster at Whananaki, 42km northeast of Whangarei. One had been diving and had allegedly taken 28 rock lobster.

Mr Reid said the boat and dive gear were seized and serious charges were likely.

Another two divers were caught later that day at Whananaki with 19 rock lobster.

The catch allegedly included undersize fish, females with their eggs removed and some soft shell fish. Mr Reid said it was illegal to take rock lobster with soft shells or spear them. The men face instant fines of more than $1000 each.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)