Tauranga seafood lovers are being reminded of the need to observe fishing regulations as the scallop season gets underway.

Ministry of Fisheries acting regional operations manager Greg Keys says most of those who dive, dredge or head to the beach to collect scallops will play by the rules.

'Unfortunately, a minority will not and will try to take too many scallops or ones that are undersized.”

The season opens today in the Auckland/Kermadec Area, including Bay of Plenty, Northland, Waikato and Kaipara Harbour.

Gatherers are allowed to take a maximum of 20 scallops, measuring a minimum of 100mm across the widest part of the shell.

Greg says gatherers are expected to count and measure each shellfish as it's collected.

He says this is to protect the resource and to give scallops being returned the best possible chance of survival.

'Only those who actively take the scallops are entitled to a limit,” says Greg.

'This means they must have gathered the scallops themselves from the beach or actively participated in the setting and recovery of the dredge.”

He says the only exception is where a diver is gathering scallops from a boat, in which case the diver may also legally take a limit for a safety person and for a boatperson, provided both are on board and acting in those roles.

'Those who ignore the rules may receive infringement notices of $250 or $500 or, in a more serious case, may face prosecution, larger fines and the possible forfeiture of vehicles and boats.”

Earlier this year, a man was convicted after being caught with over 80 scallops, more than half of which were undersized.

Greg says he received a $1000 fine and lost his 7.3m boat and everything on it, including a 200 horsepower outboard and his dive gear. 'There are several ways to find out the fishing rules, the Ministry of Fisheries website, www.fish.govt.nz, in brochures available from any Ministry office and most bait and tackle retailers, or by sending a text to 9889.”

'Members of the public who see others breaking the rules are encouraged to use the Ministry's 0800 4 POACHER.”

Greg says if we all work together we can ensure a sustainable fishery for the future.