$15,000 fine

Operating a commercial scallop dredge in a Marlborough Sounds' marine reserve has resulted in a $15,000 fine for a Nelson fisherman.

The fisherman, Tony Peter Phillipson, and his company, Alfred Fishing Ltd, each pleaded guilty in Nelson District Court today to a charge of taking marine life from Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve for commercial purposes on 31 October 2005. The company was convicted and discharged.

The charges were laid after a Department of Conservation ranger saw the vessel Miss Otago operating a scallop dredge in Long Island Marine Reserve in Queen Charlotte Sound.

DOC Sounds Area Manager Roy Grose said the convictions served as a reminder that people fishing around marine reserves have a responsibility to make sure they stay outside reserve boundaries.

"Marine reserves are now well established in our waters and there can be no excuse for fishing inside their boundaries. When people are fishing around marine reserves they should keep some distance from the boundaries to make sure they do not go into the reserve.

"The Department of Conservation will prosecute those who break the law by fishing in marine reserves and the price can be high for offenders.

There are penalties of up to three months' imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000 for recreational fishing in marine reserves. Commercial fishing can result in fines of up to $250,000 and three months'

imprisonment. Fishing equipment used in the offending can be forfeited and that includes vessels in the case of commercial fishing.

"Marine reserves play an important role in increasing our knowledge of marine ecology. Their value comes from allowing them to function naturally without human interference and taking and disturbing of marine life interferes with that process.

"These sea sanctuaries also give people a lot of pleasure in experiencing the fascinating marine life within them through activities such as diving and snorkelling. It is unacceptable for a few to spoil it for others by fishing in these protected areas.

"Long Island Marine Reserve has been around for over a decade and was created as a result of a tremendous community effort. It has considerable support from the local community. Local people keep an eye on it and report people offending in the reserve to us for which we're very grateful."