Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said that each year the fishery officers carry out around 20,000 recreational fisher inspections, and inspect around 1,200 commercial fishers. They also inspect the licensed fish receivers and commercial dealers in fish. He also mentioned that in last financial year the officers have seized $4,628,000 worth of commercial and recreational boats and $113,150 worth of vehicles, along with other fishing gear. These were belongs to greedy recreational fishers, organised fish thieves and few commercial fishers.
According to Anderton the deterrent effect that compliance officers are having is reflected in a substantial decrease in the number of infringement notices that fishery officers have had to hand out over the past five years. He also point out the number of prosecutions for more serious offence has come down heavily.
Besides, Fishery officials also educate masses about the importance of sticking to the rule by visiting schools, community groups and boat shows. Anderton said the efforts of fishery officers resulted in increased support for authority and increased levels of voluntary compliance. He also informed that the government wants to completely disrupt the entire black market supply and distribution chain, he said.
Anderton thanks all the honorary fishery officers (HFOs) who have upgraded operating procedures to enable them to be highly effective in their jobs. He added that the people should know that Fishery Officers and HFOs will be on duty throughout the New Year holiday period.
