A ranger had spotted the illegal harvest.
Overall, people had been pretty good at respecting the new rules, Mr Dickson said.
Rangers at Karamea and the hut wardens on the Heaphy Track were helping with compliance, and they also used aircraft passing overhead to keep an eye out. In Punakaiki, where it was busier, there was a greater opportunity for people to take the lead and report violations.
He said DoC had an "integrated management" approach to the marine reserves.
"We have been in discussion with the MPI compliance staff in Christchurch about bringing a boat over."
The navy would also do inshore patrols when passing through West Coast waters, with no advance warning of visits.
It is illegal to fish inside a marine reserve, either from a boat or from shore, or to take or interfere with fish and other marine life.
However, recreational picking of beach stones, non-living shells and driftwood is allowed.
Penalties under the Marine Reserves Act 1971 include confiscation of equipment, vessels or vehicles, fines and imprisonment.
- Greymouth Star
