Diver caught with 50 times legal number of paua

A Kaikoura diver faces a $250,000 fine after being caught with 50 times the legal number of paua.

Ministry of Fisheries Christchurch district compliance manager Peter Hyde said the diver was apprehended this month after a tip-off.

Fisheries officers searched his vehicle and found 500 paua and 36 rock lobster. The maximum daily limit allowed is 10 paua and six rock lobster.

Mr Hyde said it was believed the paua and lobster were destined for the Christchurch black market. It was the biggest haul of paua detected this summer.

The diver's vehicle was seized and the man faced fines of up to $250,000 if convicted. His vehicle could also be forfeited to the Crown.

Mr Hyde said the behaviour of recreational fishers in Canterbury generally had been good this summer. Fishery officers had issued 30 infringement notices for paua and rock lobster offences.

- NZPA