KEY POINTS:
Go fishing in a marine reserve and the only likely catch will be yourself, the Department of Conservation in Northland is warning.
Recent compliance and law enforcement work in marine reserves in Whangarei Harbour and around the offshore Poor Knights Islands has resulted in people being caught fishing, with some facing legal action.
Fishing in marine reserves is prohibited and DoC marine protection ranger Al Fleming says people going fishing should be familiar with reserve boundaries. Ignorance was no defence.
In one case, five people were caught fishing in Reotahi marine reserve in Whangarei Harbour and had their fishing gear and fish seized.
One offender appeared before the court and, under the department's diversion scheme, made a "substantial" donation to a charitable environmental trust as well as undertaking a sentence of community service.
DoC staff have also caught people fishing within the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve in recent months and six of those have made sizeable donations to environmental trusts. Some have also had to complete community work sentences and personal fishing gear has been seized. The department intends to continue publicising the location of reserve boundaries around the Poor Knights Islands and in Whangarei Harbour with signage at boat ramps, fact sheets and maps.
"Fish within a marine reserve and it's likely you'll be caught," Mr Fleming said.
Penalties can involve a fine of up to $10,000 and/or three months' jail.
