18 February 2009
Three men apprehended in MFish crackdown on Christchurch paua poaching

Fishery officers in Christchurch continued their crackdown on paua poachers by apprehending three men observed acting suspiciously near the Sumner boat ramp. Fishery officers made a detailed search of the area and found three sacks containing 350 paua hidden among rocks.

The three men were questioned and their car was seized. This latest apprehension follows a similar incident a month ago on the south side of Banks Peninsula when eight divers were alleged to have taken in excess of 500 paua. Two vehicles were seized on that occasion.

“We believe these incidents to be connected” said District Compliance Manager Peter Hyde, “We will continue our crackdown to catch these people who think they can get away with taking as much paua as they want. Hopefully the apprehensions by our fishery officers, and honorary fishery officers, will be a timely reminder that they will not get away with it”

Mr Hyde also expressed his thanks to members of the public who called the Ministry of Fisheries 0800 4 POACHER hotline to phone in information on poaching activity.

“If you see suspicious or illegal fishing activity remember to get as much detail as you can and call 0800 4 POACHER”he said.

ENDS

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