14 August 2005

Business as usual for Ministry of Fisheries compliance staff

The Ministry of Fisheries have confirmed that all of their regular enforcement activities are being carried out across New Zealand as normal.

National Manager Fisheries Compliance Steve Stuart said that included patrols and inspections and other enforcement work on the East Coast north of Tologa Bay.

"The Ministry of Fisheries is a responsible employer and has been proactive in undertaking a number of important initiatives to mitigate the risk to frontline staff and to enhance Fishery Officer safety wherever they may be operating in New Zealand," said Mr Stuart.

"This includes providing Fisheries Officers with good training, enhanced radio communications including access to police radios in some areas and operational policies that require Fisheries Officers to undertake enforcement activity in greater numbers where appropriate. In the near future vehicles will be monitored with GPS and we maintain a close operational relationship with the New Zealand police.

"While fisheries enforcement is an environment with recognised risks, we have sought to mitigate these risks to the extent possible and our proactive approach shows we are doing a good job of that.

The full range of enforcement activities will continue to be carried out across New Zealand including the East Coast north of Tologa Bay

ENDS

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