Woman facing charges over illegal fish and chips

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A woman has had her food caravan and cooking equipment seized after allegedly selling illegal fish and chips.

Northland fishery officers were tipped off about the 51-year-old Kaikohe woman after a member of the public suspected something fishy.

A search of her caravan netted more than 90 snapper fillets, some of which were prepared ready for sale.

All of the snapper had been caught recreationally and the woman did not hold a permit to take fish for commercial use, the Ministry for Primary Industries said

She was accused of illegally selling fish and chips from a mobile food caravan, pricing her snapper at $4 a fillet.

Ministry for Primary Industries Northland compliance manager Darren Edwards said the woman would likely face prosecution for "serious breaches of the Fisheries Act".

He said the woman's alleged offending showed "an obvious disregard for fishery sustainability".

"While this was a great outcome for the fishery officers involved in the investigation, it was extremely disappointing to see the blatant disregard she showed for the quota management system and recreational fishing regulations, which are in place to sustain and protect our fish stocks," Mr Edwards said.

The daily legal limit for snapper on Northland's east coast is nine per fisher with a minimum size of 27cm.

"Fish can only be purchased from a commercial fisher or a commercially operated fish retailer," Mr Edwards said. "It is illegal to purchase as well as sell recreationally caught fish and those caught committing offences may face prosecution."

Serious breaches of the Act attract fines up to $250,000.

Anyone who sees suspicious fishing activity can report it to 0800 476 224.