MPI happy with summer patrols by Northland fishery officers

Fisheries officers have been out checking catches across Northland during the holidays, with few problems reported.

A handful of minor breaches have been detected so far by fishery officers while out patrolling Northland beaches during the holiday season.

The Ministry of Primary Industries regular summer patrolling programme, run by full time fishery officers, started on December 16 and runs until January 21.

Ministry district compliance manager Northland Steve Rudsdale said fishery officers have also been deployed on the police rigid-hulled inflatable boat operating in the Bay of Islands over the Christmas/New Year period.

His comments followed concerns by residents in the Whangarei Heads area that they did not see fishery officers on patrol at popular fishing and picnic spots, including Taurikura and Urquharts Bay, despite an influx of people.

Mr Rudsdale said officers used vessels on the water as well as conducting patrols on land rather than standing on boat ramps.

He said Whangarei Heads was included in the summer patrolling programme and one fully trained honorary and a trainee officer worked in the area.

"We are very pleased with the rates of compliance in the area overall. The public - both locals and visitors –are, in the main, aware of the rules and understand and respect why they're in place.

"Only a handful of minor breaches have been detected including the collection of undersized scallops," he said.

The fisheries officers were out and about checking catches, despite some people not seeing them.