Under the Fisheries Act, a commercial fishing permit is required to take any fish for sale.
Garreth Jay, Fisheries New Zealand regional manager South, said any use of seafood as part of a business’ commercial activities was considered a sale under the Act.
“The rules are there for a reason – to safeguard the resource for current and future generations, protect the integrity of the fisheries management system, and ensure a level playing field for businesses using seafood as part of their commercial activities.
“Where we find evidence of people breaking the rules we will investigate and take appropriate action.
“In this case it is our view the offending persisted despite clear advice being given to the operators involved that the helicopter experience package did not comply with the Fisheries Act.”
The hotel also did not keep required records of the crayfish, making it difficult to quantify the scale of the offending, Jay said.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our fisheries.”
Fisheries NZ is also prosecuting another business in relation to the offending. The matter is still before the courts.
The Rees Hotel was crowned New Zealand’s leading hotel at the 30th Annual World Travel Awards in 2023.
The hotel has been approached for comment.
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