Heavy penalties for shellfish offenders

Six people caught violating shellfish quota limits on West Auckland beaches have been given heavy penalties.

The offenders have been given a minimum of 50 hours community service and 3 were fined heavily. In the worst case a mother and daughter were fined $2000 each for taking 1132 cockles (the daily limit is 50) and 594 oysters (daily limit 100).

 Judge Johnson who sentenced the offenders commented that shellfish laws apply to citizens and visitors alike and everyone is deemed to know the law, otherwise everybody would claim ignorance.

The harsh sentences are welcomed by fisheries officers and claim that ignorance won’t wash with fisheries officers as quotas are well advertised in all sections of New Zealand society including in specific ethnic publications

The public can contact the ministry confidentially, particularly about poaching or selling. Phone: 361-4100.