Fisheries officers targeting in New Zealand holiday hotspots

Fisheries officers targeting in New Zealand holiday hotspots

Fishery officers are clamping down on recreational fishing, targeting New Zealand holiday hotspots as people take to the beach.

It is the busiest time of year for the ministry's enforcers as holidaymakers set off for a spot of fishing, often with rods but little knowledge of the law.

However honorary fishery officer Murray Daniels, who has patrolled Motunau Beach north of Christchurch since 1988, said ignorance is no excuse according.

"Some people are ignorant of the law but it's an excuse regularly used (and) very often it's only an excuse...very often they come in and say I want a feed, so I'm going to take a feed," he said.
Last week Daniels was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for his service to marine conservation in his role as a voluntary fishery officer.

He said it is important to enforce the rules for commercial fishing as well.
"If you get 140 boats working out there for crayfish compared to two commercial boats, your 140 boats will get almost the same as what your two commercial boats will get," he said.

Size and bag limits for people's catches can change across the country. In Motunau the allowance is for 10 blue cod per person, per day, whereas in the Marlborough Sounds they are completely off limits.
Fisheries, while hopeful all those on holiday are being conscientious with their catches, said it is fully prepared to enforce the law should anyone flout it.

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