Fisherman caught with over 50 undersized scallops

Photo / file

A fisherman in the Hauraki Gulf had his $50,000 boat seized yesterday for ignoring recreational scallop dredging rules.

The fisherman had 67 scallops - 51 of them undersized. The daily limit for scallops is 20, and the minimum size is 100mm.

Ministry for Primary Industries spokesman Mike Simmons said the incident was a blatant disregard of the fishing rules.

"The fisher had not returned the scallops to the sea at the first opportunity, which is the legal requirement if dredging. Fishers who disregard the rules are endangering a pastime many New Zealanders enjoy, especially with summer approaching."

The fisherman's Bayliner pleasure boat, valued at about $50,000, was seized.

There was a process for getting the boat back but a court could order it be forefeited to the Crown.

The fisherman is likely to face charges with a maximum penalty of up to $20,000.

Anyone with information about suspicious fishing activity should contact 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are confidential.