Row over 'tribal' fishing rights

A Bay of Plenty fishing charter boat operator has been accused of ramming a rival he claimed was fishing in his "traditional tribal grounds".

Maritime New Zealand is investigating the January 7 incident, in which Rick Pollock's Pursuit was allegedly rammed by Joe McClutchie's Tangaroa.

Maritime NZ spokeswoman Heidi Brook said Mr Pollock had filed a complaint, in which he said he anchored the Pursuit in Ranfurly Canyon, off Hicks Bay on the East Cape, and told his six passengers to drop their fishing lines.

Mr McClutchie told the Pursuit's skipper that he was not allowed to fish in his "traditional tribal grounds".

A discussion followed, after which Mr McClutchie allegedly rammed the Pursuit and damaged it.

In the ensuing altercation between the skippers, abusive language was used and threats made.

Mr McClutchie also allegedly severed the lines of two of the Pursuit's passengers, who had hooked fish, and tried to pull one of the fish on to his boat.

Mr Pollock said Mr McClutchie fled when the passenger whose fish it was put a curse on him.

It was not known if the Tangaroa was carrying passengers.

Mr Pollock said yesterday that he had been taking fishing charters to the same spot for 28 years and had never previously had a problem.

Asked if the issue had been brewing, Mr Pollock said: "No, not at all. [It came] out of the blue."

But Mr McClutchie said that there had been problems with charter operators fishing in traditional grounds for the past 11 years.

Local Maori would meet in Whakatane on February 11 to discuss the issue.

"The whole situation has escalated to a tribal concern," Mr McClutchie said. "When Mr Pollock is dealing with me, he is dealing with the tribe."

Ms Brook said Maritime NZ's Tauranga inspector would speak to both parties and remind them of the rules of the sea.

"He'll also talk to them about good seamanship.

"It's very important that skippers do the right thing and treat each other with respect.

"You can't have things like this happening, particularly when people's lives are put in danger."

Both skippers would receive a letter and, if it was deemed necessary, Mr McClutchie's letter would also advise him that any repeat action could result in Maritime NZ taking legal action.

The agency did not believe the area was a traditional tribal fishing ground.

Mr McClutchie, who had not responded to Maritime NZ but intended to, said: "Whether I drove my boat into him or whether he drifted into me, it stands to be tested when the investigation takes place."

- NZPA