Serious charges are likely under the Fisheries Act after three people were stopped last night (25 August) in a car containing 422 pāua taken from Kaikōura’s south coast.

Fishery Officers had previously stopped the car yesterday afternoon and were attempting to inspect their catch when the driver of the car drove off, says Stuart Moore, Fisheries New Zealand District Manager Marlborough/Canterbury.

“We’re grateful for the support of the New Zealand Police, who stopped the car in Rangiora.

"Of the 422 pāua recovered from the car, 230 were undersized. People who disregard the rules like this steal from us all.

“The daily limit is three pāua per person with a minimum legal size of 130mm. The limit is there for a reason – to protect our shared fisheries and keep them sustainable.

“We take this kind of offending very seriously. Our message to the small number of people who go out to break the rules for their own benefit is that there will be consequences,” Mr Moore says.

“We encourage all fishers or people planning to go fishing to know the rules. The best thing to do is to download our free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app which will provide you the latest rules, restrictions and closures at your fingertips.”

Report suspected illegal activity to the ministry's 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224)

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