Navy patrols monitor catches

Fishery Officers boarded 12 commercial vessels all of which were abiding by the law. A deckhand unhooks a Grand Daddy Hapuka from a longline. Photo / Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn

A patrol of commercial fishing vessels off Northland's coastline found all crews were abiding by the strict regulations.

Ministry of Fisheries officers boarded 12 commercial boats off the region's coastline during a patrol last week targeting commercial vessels and found all had correct paperwork for their catches. Six recreational vessels checked during the four-day operation were also found to be abiding by the law.

Commercial fishers filing incorrect paperwork and catch returns can face fines of up to $250,000 and confiscation of their vessels.

Authorities are firmly setting their sights on checking those taking fish from along Northland's coastline and are promising more patrols will be carried out.

The operation, named Vixen, saw navy inshore patrol vessel Hawea take two fisheries officers from Whangarei Harbour to the North Cape and back.

Vessels inspected by the officers included long liners, trawlers and crayfishing boats from Northland ports, plus two from Tauranga.

Ministry for Primary Industries Northland District compliance manager Stephen Rudsdale said the main aim was to ensure that any fish taken by commercial fishers was taken within the rules of the Quota Management System and the Fisheries Act 1996.

"It's very pleasing to see that there were no breaches detected. The vast majority of commercial fishers are keen to work within the law and are keenly aware of their responsibilities in respect of reporting of catch and methods used," Mr Rudsdale said.

"Misreporting can greatly undermine the Quota Management System as sustainable yields are determined from reported catch."

He said patrols of this type were regularly programmed and MPI in Northland deployed at sea on both east and west using both navy and police vessels.

"This type of patrolling will continue into the future."

During a similar operation in 2010, officers boarded nine boats off the region's coastline and found four had incorrect paperwork and catch returns, and faced fines. Hawea is among seven ships, and four inshore patrol vessels built in Whangarei, launched under the government's $500 million Project Protector. The fleet works in conjunction with surveillance activity from air force Orions.