Fishery officers are thanking the community for the high level of support shown for its efforts to preserve New Zealand's fisheries this summer.
'The response to our work on the ground has been tremendous,” says Andrew Coleman, the Ministry of Fisheries deputy chief executive field operations.

Ministry of Fisheries is encouraged by the support the community is showing this summer in its ‘Every Fish Counts' campaign.

'The outrage that responsible people all round the country have voiced against the fish thieves – especially the big paua poachers in Taranaki, Maketu and Timaru recently – has been very heartening and has helped us enormously.”
Talkback radio, direct feedback to the Ministry and newspaper editorial pages full of support have been examples of the strong reactions from many sections of the community.
'Last month we launched the ‘Every Fish Counts' summer awareness campaign highlighting the idea that each and every one of us is a guardian of our precious fisheries.
'The vigilance people have shown indicates how well the public have been picking up the message and putting it into action. Most fishers are thinking about their responsibilities for the ecosystem and future generations.”
One of the tips from the Every Fish Counts campaign is to place excess shellfish back in their environment.
'It was great to see that the poached Taranaki paua were recovered early enough to ensure their safe return to the sea. I encourage all responsible fishers to do the same.”