Fishery lands two alleged lobster poachers

Two men in Wairarapa who allegedly attempted to conceal approximately 60 rock lobster (crayfish) last week now also face prosecution for excess and undersized paua.

Wairarapa Fishery Officers spoke to the two men at the boat launching area at Te Awiti, known as Sandy Bay, and, while conducting an inspection of their vessel, a large number of illegal rock lobster were located.

Fishery Officer Tony McKenna said the fishers had tried to conceal the rock lobster in two areas of the boat, probably separating the catch between them.

Approximately 60 rock lobster were recovered, most of which were undersized. Some were also recovered from nets on board the boat.

One of the men, who was already known to Fishery officers, had been spoken to only the day before, and was given advice on fishing rules regarding gear use.

The two men are also likely to face charges in relation to the gear they were using to catch their fish. When removed from the boat, one set net was found to be three tied together, totalling about 90 metres in length. The maximum length of a fishing net is 60m. Only one set net is allowed on a boat. A fourth net was located, indicating that the fishers were out to catch as much fish as possible regardless of the limits.

The boat, together with its gear and illegal catch, was seized. Both men will face charges in the Masterton District Court.

Fishers may take six rock lobster per day. The minimum size for a male rock lobster is 54mm and 60mm for a female.