Fishery officer numbers boosted

New Zealand's coast will have more bodies to enforce fishing law and standards with the graduation of nine new fulltime fishery officers.

The new recruits are part of the four-year government plan to boost full-time fishery officer numbers from 95 to 104, and the honorary fishery officer network from 172 to 250. More than $4 million was put aside in the 2009 Budget for the increase.

Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley welcomed the graduates from the National Police College in Porirua to the force. They will work in North Harbour, Manukau, Waikato, Poverty Bay and Wellington.

"The compliance team at the Ministry of Fisheries has been doing a great job over the past year, with a number of notable busts for illegal behaviour," he said.

"I know they'll welcome the helping hand these new officers will provide in educating the public about sustainable fishing practices and enforcing compliance of fisheries regulations."

There are currently 20 honorary fishery officers, who are training and upon graduation will take duties in the North Island.

Mr Heatley said the recruits are a key aspect to "optimise the level of voluntary compliance with fisheries laws and standards, and maintain an effective deterrence against illegal activity."

- NZPA