Most offending will be dealt with through warnings or infringement notices, but Lal said prosecutions were being considered in cases involving toheroa and large quantities of tuatua.
“We remind fishers that taking a prohibited species, such as toheroa, can result in a $500 infringement in most cases, but if a person takes more than 50, they will be prosecuted through the courts,” he said.
Lal said Northland has a 96% compliance rate, but urged anyone heading out fishing to make sure they knew the rules.
He encouraged recreational fishers to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app, which works offline and provides the latest catch limits, closures and gear restrictions.
Anyone who sees suspected illegal fishing can report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).
Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on a wide range of issues. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, most of which she spent court reporting in Gisborne and on the East Coast.