The Western Bay of Plenty's Harbourmaster fears a fishing boat and a cargo ship may collide if urgent warnings are not heeded.
Harbourmaster Jennifer Roberts says people are choosing to fish from their boats in Tauranga Harbour's shipping channel, and are not moving quickly enough when large cargo ships are spotted.
'A cargo ship travelling at 10 knots will cover 300 metres in a minute.


Western Bay of Plenty Harbour Master Jennifer Roberts is worried a cargo ship and a fishing boat could collide.

What I'm worried about is that boaties have no concept of how fast the ships are moving,” says Jennifer.
She says there are frequent near misses between fishing boats and cargo ships.
It is believed the boaties are attracted to the shipping channel because of increased fishing opportunities.
'The trouble is that big ships can't see them. Once the ship comes in past the Mount, they haven't got time to swing out of the way, a ship can't do anything,” says Jennifer.
Fisherman can be fined $200 for failing to give way to a cargo ship in a shipping channel.
Harbour wardens will be patrolling the harbour every day in summer and providing educational brochures to fishermen about giving way to cargo ships.
'Boaties think they have plenty of time, but if something happens, like their anchor chain gets jammed, we could have a nasty accident. They would be toast,” says Jennifer.