MPI makes massive paua seizure in central Hawke’s Bay

2 September 2016

Hawke’s Bay fisheries officers have seized more than 600 illegally taken paua over the past few days.

Ministry for Primary Industries District Compliance Manager for Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa, Ray McKay, says the fact people are taking such huge amounts of paua is extremely disappointing, particularly given that only three of the paua met the legal size limit.

He says despite the negative publicity the unlawful activity attracts, some people are still not getting the message.

“Taking such large quantities of paua has the potential to seriously affect the sustainability of the paua fishery. It also contributes to localised depletion in the areas the paua was taken.

“Paua grows very slowly and daily limits are in place to ensure enough of them survive until they are large enough to breed to sustain the fishery.

“What we’ve found this week has been a shock and a huge disappointment especially because all of the paua had come from one area: the south end of Blackhead Beach.”

Mr McKay says three men were involved in both incidents. He says they will face charges under the Fisheries Act 1996 which carries fines of up to $250,000. If convicted, the men will also have their vehicles forfeited to the Crown.

“While gaining voluntary compliance from the recreational sector remains a high priority for the Ministry, MPI would have no hesitation in putting those who blatantly breach fisheries legislation before the Courts.

“With summer fast approaching, fishery officers will be increasing their presence on the beaches in the Hawke’s Bay to ensure the public adheres to the rules.

“If any suspicious activity is seen we encourage people to contact the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224)”.

The limit for paua is 10 per person per day. The minimum size is 125 millimetres across the widest part of the shell.

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