HB Seafoods backs bid to end back door sales

Hawke's Bay Seafoods management has made it clear that if any member of its staff, or any company representative, is found guilty of any fisheries black market sales they should be "prepared to face the consequences".

Managing director Nino D'Esposito said the company was co-operating fully with the Ministry for Primary Industries and was right behind any efforts to identify and bring to a halt black market sales of illegally caught fish in the region.

"Our company is making available all information necessary to facilitate the ministry's work in stamping out the fisheries black market," Mr D'Esposito said.

The company and its success depended on ensuring it met all legal requirements under the Fisheries Act.

"The black market is a threat to the sustainability of the very resource on which Hawke's Bay Seafoods relies."

He said the company had been a leader in supplying fresh and legally taken fish to the region for 25 years and had created employment for 280 people, as well as developing long-term strong relationships with local organisations - among them Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, which was highly valued and "hugely important" to the company.

The company also has strong links with Ngai Tamanuhiri, Te Atiawa, Ngati Raukawa and Chatham Island iwi.

A spokesman for the Ministry for Primary Industries said no arrests or charges had been laid since the 18-month Operation River investigations, culminating in searches at properties in Mahia, Hastings and Napier last Wednesday. Staff were sifting through documents and other items seized during the searches.