Crayfish poachers in Whangamata are to lose their craypots and will be fined following a Ministry of Fisheries operation there.

Some of the seized crayfish pots
Ministry of Fisheries' field operations manager for the Waikato/Bay Of Plenty/Coromandel, Brendon Mikkelsen says although the most recent fishery patrol targeted those operating from Whangamata, similar problems have previously been found in other parts of the Coromandel and in the Bay of Plenty.
Fishery officers seized 27 craypots off the coast of Whangamata in a recent patrol.
'These are pots or surface buoys not correctly marked, or the pots did not have proper escape gaps,” says Brendon.
'In some cases, gatherers also had more than the three pots they are each allowed.”
Those caught breaking the rules face fines of $250. In more serious incidents, fishers may face the permanent confiscation of their pots through the court process.
'The rules are there for a reason – to protect the local cray fishery from over-fishing and to ensure continued sustainability.”
The Ministry will continue to run regular patrols in the area and will likely continue to seize the pots of those who do not comply with the rules, says Brendon.