Summer fishery patrols stepped up to combat illegal pāua poaching – Jones

Fishery officer patrols will be stepped up over summer to crack down on the illegal harvesting and black-market trade of pāua, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

Jones warned that while pāua stocks remain in good condition overall, poaching is becoming an increasing problem, particularly during the warmer months. “While our pāua stocks are in good shape overall, poaching is a growing problem. Summer is always the worst time of year for it,” he said, adding that illegal harvesting and trade, “some of it connected to gangs,” poses a serious threat to the fishery.

Jones said people spending time in coastal areas should expect to see more Fishery Officers on patrol, including in remote locations. “People in and around the ocean can expect to see more Fishery Officers this summer with patrols being stepped up, including in some of our more remote areas,” he said. Although national fisheries compliance rates sit at about 94 percent, Jones noted that compliance in the Wellington and Wairarapa regions has dropped to around 74 percent, meaning about one in five inspections in those areas uncovers illegal activity.

He urged the public to help disrupt the illegal pāua trade by reporting rule-breaking to Fisheries New Zealand. “People can do their part to help break up the illegal trade in pāua by reporting those who break the rules to Fisheries New Zealand through the 0800 4 POACHER line,” Jones said. He also warned consumers to be wary of suspiciously cheap pāua, noting that legally caught pāua usually sells for about $100 per kilogram. “If people are offered prices that seem too good to be true, they should reconsider,” he said.

Jones said Fishery Officers have seen a rise in pāua being sold through social media, particularly over December and January. “This is extremely prevalent during December/January each year and people should not be tempted,” he said. He described pāua poachers as “thieves that take from all of us” and said they undermine legitimate recreational, customary and commercial fishing. “There are no excuses for not doing the right thing,” Jones said. “Let’s work together this summer to put a stop to them.”

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