A Tauranga-based commercial fishing trawler and two refrigerated trucks are at the centre of an investigation into a alleged large-scale black market operation.

Ministry of Fisheries officers seized the vehicles, a quantity of snapper and a large amount of cash today.

The commercial fishing trawler New Fish II 4363 is part of a black market investigation into Tauranga's fish market.

The seizures were made as search warrants were executed at the Auckland and Tauranga homes of the trawler's skipper, permit holder and those of the two truck drivers.

The Ministry of Fisheries' Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel field operations manager, Brendon Mikkelsen, says today's work follows covert monitoring of the men's activities for the past two months.

'In that time, we believe that more than 12 tonnes of the trawler's catch has not been reported as required.

'Instead, it appears to have been sold on the black market in Tauranga and Auckland.
'Our surveillance shows that much of this illegal activity happened at night or in the early hours of the morning.

'Those buying the black market fish appear to be a combination of takeaway outlets and businesses that are not licensed fish receivers and further investigations of those premises are continuing.”

Brendon says not reporting fish caught under the quota management system (QMS) is a serious offence.

'New Zealand's QMS is a world class fisheries management system, however, it relies on the accurate and timely reporting of all fish that is commercially caught and sold.

'Deliberately failing to do that, as it appears has been the case here, is effectively the theft of fish from other members of the fishing industry and from the wider community.

'This type of offending also risks the future sustainability of the fishery.”
Brendon says the Ministry of Fisheries also believes the fishing vessel New Fish II 4363 was involved in the apparent dumping of snapper near Town Point, Maketu, in September.

'Thanks to a local recreational fisher, who provided us with timely information about the alleged dumping, we were able to use a helicopter to respond immediately to his report.

'That suspected dumping now forms part of our investigation and it is likely that the vessel's electronics will be analysed to provide more information.”

Brendon urged fishing industry operators and recreational fishers to report any suspected illegal activity through the Ministry's 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224).

'All calls are treated in the strictest confidence and the information we receive helps us stamp out illegal fishing and helps ensure we have a sustainable fishery for future generations.”