Paua poachers back in action

Five people were caught with over 900 paua by fishery officers on a Wellington beach yesterday, in the biggest illegal paua haul in the area since a major Ministry of Fisheries operation last year.

Disappointingly, it pointed to an increase in paua poaching after a significant dent had been made in the black market, said fisheries district compliance manager Ross Thurston.

A targeted fishery officers' patrol at Makara caught some of the group loading up their vehicle, and found three backpacks full of more than 500 paua hidden among rocks and bush.

Officers seized the vehicle and dive gear of two men and three women and discovered a total of more than 100kg of paua, which had been removed from their shells.

The ministry would continue to investigate before deciding whether to charge the group.

If charged, the people could face a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment up to five years.

"It is so disappointing to see such a large amount of paua being stolen from our coast," Mr Thurston said.

"We will continue our attack on paua thieves who through their own self interest and greed thumb their noses at the public and fisheries law."

He thanked members of the public who helped fishery officers find the hidden paua.

- NZPA