Fisher fined

A commercial fisher has been convicted of an offence under the Fisheries (Commercial Fishing) Regulations 2001.

Gary Elmbranch pleaded guilty in the Whangarei District Court to a charge of setting a net so that “stalling” occurs.

Stalling means leaving a net set when tide levels fall, meaning any fish in it inevitably die.

Elmbranch was fined $500 with court costs of $130, and his fishing boat was ordered forfeit to the Crown.

Any suspicious activity can be reported to the Fisheries Ministry on 0800 4 POACHER (0800-476-224).

- © Fairfax NZ News