Paengaroa pair fined $1250 each for paua conviction

A haul of 102 undersized paua from Maketu cost a couple of local Paengaroa men $1250 each after they pleaded guilty in Tauranga District Court (5 March, 2015).

Te Ngaue Richard Roberts, 32, and Wharehuia Toheriri Roberts, 34, were stopped by Ministry for Primary Industries compliance officers on Newdicks Beach at Maketu in October last year.

Officers inspected their catch and found 102 paua. 101 were undersized and the paua ranged in size from 73mm to 102mm.

Recreational gatherers can take 10 paua per person per day. The minimum length is 125mm.

MPI District Compliance Manager Waikato/Bay of Plenty Brendon Mikkelsen says paua is a highly valued resource and it is very disappointing that some peoples’ actions puts its future sustainability at risk.

“People who are caught taking too many or undersized paua can expect an instant fine, and in serious cases may lose any cars, boats and equipment used in the offending.”

People can report any suspicious fishing activity or illegal sales to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are confidential.

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