Poachers target Tairua

Poachers have targeted the Tairua area in Coromandel, plundering "ridiculous" amounts of undersized paua from the popular holiday resort, says the Ministry of Fisheries.

In the latest incident, three South Auckland men were caught with 420 paua, all of which were substantially smaller than the legal minimum size of 125mm.

"Charges are now likely to be laid and these three could each face fines of up to $250,000 plus the permanent forfeiture of their vehicle and dive equipment," said an official.