Early reports from Ministry of Primary Industries suggest Bay of Plenty fishers appear to be keeping to the rules this summer more than last year.

But MPI fisheries compliance manager for the Bay of Plenty, Brendan Mikkelson, says its early days yet.

So far, so good, for fishers on the waters around the Bay of Plenty.

'It's been very good in the most part, but in saying that it's only been a couple of weeks. A lot of people have been involved in Christmas/New Year; and equally, the weather has been a little bit on and off.

'Yesterday, there was quite a bit of wind [which] would have [put] people off fishing as well. It's a little bit too early to make comment in terms of compliance rates.”

What the MPI fisheries compliance team has seen so far, in terms of patrols and compliance checks, is the message about catch limits and fish sizes is getting through, says Brendan.

Unsettled weather and lack of snapper volumes may have also contributed to the number of compliant anglers too, as snapper haven't been coming in any great volume yet, and Brendan expects fishing to pick up as the weather settles.

'But I do think it is quite early in the summer period, so there will be more effort going in as the weather settles,” says Brendan.

'It's really hard to make any comment, but it's pretty pleasing so far in terms of the compliance rate.”

The fishing is also expected to pick up as the weather settles, says Brendan. Snapper haven't been coming in in any great volume yet.

Brendan says people also appear to be taking more notice of the shellfish health warnings compared with previous years. But the existing health warnings about paralytic shellfish poisoning are not enforced by fisheries officers.

The current warning is against taking shellfish in the area from Tairua to Whakatane Heads. The warning includes Tairua Harbour as well as Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti Islands, and all other islands along the coastline.

Brendan says fisheries compliance officers are always interested in reports of people selling fish or shellfish. He advises people with suspicions to call 0800 4poacher – 0800 476224.