Ikana New Zealand Limited fined $20,000 over illegal live green-lipped mussels

A Christchurch-based shellfish company has been fined $20,000 after illegally receiving more than 259,000kg of live green-lipped mussels.

Ikana New Zealand Limited was sentenced on nine charges under the Biosecurity Act after pleading guilty in the Christchurch District Court, following prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The company exports live seafood, including green-lipped mussels.

MPI director of investigations and compliance support, Gary Orr, said Ikana received 27 shipments of the mussels from the Upper South Contained Zone, which regulations prohibit them from doing.

The upper South Island harbours the oyster-killing parasite Bonamia Ostraea and moving mussels from the region requires a permit and special measures to prevent the parasite from spreading.

The controlled area notice has been in place across areas of the South Island since 2015.

In October 2024, a biosecurity inspector discovered seafood producers and processors were moving the mussels.

“These green-lipped mussel shellfish were for export, and the unlawful movement of this shellfish had potential to cause serious reputational harm to the New Zealand shellfish industry,” Orr said.

The aquaculture companies that allegedly supplied the shellfish to Ikana are also facing charges under the Biosecurity Act and are still before the court, along with several other associated companies.

“The vast majority of people who work in the commercial fishing industry are responsible and do the right thing by following all rules and regulations,” he said.

“When we find evidence of offending – we take action."

Orr encouraged people to report any suspected illegal activity through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).