Snapped for snapper raid

A Mangere man has had a second boat confiscated after he was caught with more than 10 times his daily legal limit of snapper.

Tony Do, 51, appeared in the Manukau District Court after being caught by fisheries officers at the Kawakawa Bay boat ramp in February.

Fisheries officers found 85 snapper under the floorboards of his boat, bringing his catch to 94 snapper. The daily limit per person is nine.

It was the third time Mr Do had been caught with excess snapper. In September 2000 he was caught with 244 snapper and his boat was confiscated.

In November last year he was caught with 16 snapper – seven over the legal limit – and was fined.

For his latest offence Do has been fined $3000 and had his boat, motor, trailer and fishing gear confiscated.

Fisheries Ministry district compliance manager Greg Keys says snapper are a finite resource.

"We have strict bag and size limits to try to ensure there will be plenty of fish for us all, now and in the future.

"It is very disappointing to see a man who has been caught twice previously – and already lost one boat – being caught again.

"This man is effectively stealing these snapper from the community."

Mr Keys urges anyone who knows of fish or shellfish been illegally caught, sold or traded to call the free, confidential 0800 4 POACHER number (0800-476-224).

"It’s important we all work together to catch these poachers and protect the snapper fishery."

- © Fairfax NZ News