A Christchurch man has been fined $2400 and has his boat seized for selling recreationally-caught lobster.
Mark Webster, 58, was sentenced in Christchurch District Court yesterday for selling 143 rock lobster for $2100 to an undercover fishery officer in three sales in Kaikoura and Christchurch.
He was ordered to pay a fine and forfeit his $25,000 boat, which included including a freezer, boiler, fishing pots, and lobster.
It is illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch and the offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.
"The outcome of the case sent a strong message to offenders," said Ministry for Primary Industries spokesman Peter Hyde.
