Stamping out the black market

4 September 2015

Stamping out the black market

Hawke’s Bay Seafoods said today it was cooperating fully with the Ministry for Primary Industries in efforts to stamp out black market sales of illegally-caught fish in the region.

“Our company is making available all information necessary to facilitate the Ministry’s work in stamping out the fisheries black market,” says Managing Director Nino D’Esposito.

Hawke’s Bay Seafoods in no way condones black market sales of illegally caught fish species.

Our company and its success is dependent on ensuring that it meets all legal requirements under the Fisheries Act, he said. “The black market is a threat to the sustainability of the very resource on which Hawke’s Bay Seafoods relies.”

Any staff member or company representative found guilty of any fisheries black market sales or operation should be prepared to face the consequences.

Hawke’s Bay Seafoods has been a leader in supplying fresh and legally caught fish to the region for the last 25 years. The business presently provides employment for 280 people and has developed long-term and important relationships with local organisations.

The business relationship with local iwi Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is highly valued and hugely important to Hawkes Bay Seafoods. It also has very strong relationships with Ngāi Tamanuhiri, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Chatham Islands iwi and others.

Mr D’Esposito says paua and crayfish are iconic to Māori and our commercial relationships with iwi are built on the understanding that Hawkes Bay Seafood will ensure that these inshore species are fished sustainably.

ENDS

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