More than 130 breaches of the exclusion zone surrounding Rena's wreck have been issued, as authorities remind boaties the area is still out of bounds.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council manager of maritime operations Reuben Fraser said a letter to the Bay of Plenty Times last week claiming there was no longer a marine patrol around the reef was incorrect. He urged people to be aware of the exclusion zone while out on the water.
"The Rena response operations are still underway, and they need to be able to work without hindrance from other vessels."
So far there have been 138 recorded breaches of the exclusion zone since the start of 2013, and 12 infringements have been issued. Those not issued with an infringement notice were minor or inadvertent breaches.
Patrols were continuing daily around the exclusion zone and anyone found in the exclusion zone without the express permission from the Harbour Master may be fined, Mr Fraser said.