North Shore resident pleads guilty to taking kina from marine reserve

A Northcote resident has pleaded guilty to taking kina from Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve in January 2010, and to giving false personal details to a warranted Department of Conservation ranger. At the North Shore District Court last week, the defendant was fined more than $1000, and was ordered to forfeit his fishing gear.

Department of Conservation Auckland Area manager Brett Butland says this is the second time a member of the public has been convicted for taking marine life from Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve.

"We're happy with this judgement, and DOC is pleased to have public support in protecting the status of marine reserves," he says.

Mr Butland says marine reserves were established in specific areas to preserve their natural state as the habitat of marine life.

“While the public is welcome and encouraged to enjoy marine reserves, all marine life in them is protected. Fishing and the removal or disturbance of any living or non-living marine resource is prohibited, except for permitted scientific study.”

He says the defendant was seen taking kina from within the marine reserve in November 2009. On questioning, he gave a false name, date of birth and address.

In January 2010 the defendant was again seen gathering kina from within the marine reserve. Members of the public pointed out the marine reserve signs, map and markers to the defendant. The police were called to the scene and the defendant’s true identity was discovered.

Established in 1995, Long Bay – Okura Marine Reserve covers an area of 980 hectares including a variety of coastal habitats from sandy beaches to rocky reefs, mudflats and mangroves.

ENDS

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