Tauranga Businessman Sentenced For Serious Fishing Offences

24 April 2013

A Mt Maunganui based businessman has been sentenced on 13 separate charges for making false and misleading statements on fishing returns and documents relating to fishing trips made between November 2009 and October 2010.

Dalgon Kim was sentenced on Wednesday 24 April at the Tauranga District Court to six months community detention, 400 hours community service, a fine of $50,000 and the forfeiture to the crown of the vessel involved in the offending, the Jay Debra 2099.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) District Compliance Manager for Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Brendon Mikkelsen says this type of behaviour undermines the Quota Management System (QMS) which relies on accurate reporting.

“Mr Kim was shown to have a total disregard for the QMS through this investigation. This places fish stocks at risk of overfishing as accurate information provided by commercial fisherman on their returns is essential for managing commercial fisheries and making sure they are sustainable,” says Mr Mikkelsen.

Mr Mikkelsen says that it is good to see the courts taking a strong stance on this type of offending.

“This conviction sends the message that this sort of behaviour won’t be tolerated by MPI or the courts. The Ministry will continue to utilise all compliance resources available to detect and prosecute those commercial operators who defraud the QMS.”

Fishery Officers ask the public and industry to report any suspicious commercial or recreational activity in our fishery by phoning 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are kept confidential if necessary.

For information about recreational fishing limits visit www.fish.govt.nz

You can also take advantage of the free mobile services. Text ‘app’ to 9889 to download the New Zealand fishing rules smartphone app. Or text the name of the species you are fishing for (e.g. crayfish, paua) to 9889 and you’ll receive the size and limit number by return text. Texts are free.

ENDS

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