As per the report the authority has taken strict step and stopped a number of South Island commercial fish dealers who have allegedly been buying and selling fish illegally over the last six months. The report states that there were twenty-seven businesses across the mid to lower South Island from the West Coast to Invercargill.
The government officials have visited these places and people associated with them interviewed. Further action is now being considered. Dean Baigent, Ministry of Fisheries National Manager Regional Services, said that they have used covert agents who were able to establish contact with both sellers and buyers of fish. He informed that the fish species involved were paua, blue cod, elephant fish and other finfish used in the fish and chip and restaurant trade.
It is reported that the timing of the sales of fish was unusual and even the places. There were no dockets or sales invoices, which are essential under fisheries legislation. Baigent said that only fish from a commercial source can be sold and there must be a clear audit trail of documents to support the transactions. He told that after successful completion of this operation we will have a clearer picture of what charges will be considered and also of any illegal networks these people may be involved in.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley said he applauded the work of Fishery Officers in the long-term and wide ranging operation. The risks of offending against the Fisheries Act 1996 and associated regulations are high. Penalties for Fisheries Act offences, which include buying and selling illegal fish, include imprisonment for up to five years, fines up to $250,000 and forfeiture of fish and property used in the offending – this can include cars and boats.
