Marine reserve violated
BY DELWYN DICKEY
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A big increase in illegal fishing at the Goat Island Marine Reserve is frustrating honorary rangers.
Eight people were caught fishing in the reserve at Leigh during the Christmas holidays, when normally there would be two or three, says ranger David Wilson at the Conservation Department Warkworth office.
Many seem to be unaware of the positioning of the reserve, or even that it is a no-take zone, says honorary ranger Tony Enderby.
"They often seem genuinely surprised and apologetic that they have been fishing in a place they shouldn’t.
"Some say they didn’t realise there are areas around the coast that are out of bounds for fishing. Many seem to be people who are new to boating, and while they may have lifejackets in the boat there are often no nautical maps which show the reserves or a GPS for exact positioning."
With reserve signs at all the local boat ramps, there is some frustration at how much more education people should need.
"The reserve has been there for 35 years," says Mr Enderby. "Responsible boaties should know it’s there."
Two fishers caught on January 18 had eight snapper in their boat, the largest estimated to be around 40 years old.
"Taking these fish is not only illegal, it is depriving children and visitors to the reserve the chance to see these fish, particularly the large ones," says Mr Wilson.
In most instances the department prosecutes fishers in the reserve, with ignorance of the reserve status being no excuse.
The maximum penalty is confiscation of equipment, including the boat, three months jail and up to a $10,000 fine. If the take is for commercial purposes the maximum fine is $250,000.
The area around part of the Tawharanui Regional Park on the Takatu Peninsula has marine park status and is also a no-take zone.
People can report fishing in the Goat Island Reserve to the department’s Warkworth office on (09) 425-7812, or after hours and holidays on 0800-DOCHOT 0800-362-468.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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