8. COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) Link to this
to the Minister of Fisheries
Has he received any recent reports of compliance operations within the Ministry of Fisheries?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Fisheries) Link to this
Yes. Last week Ministry of Fisheries staff intercepted over 100 kilograms of pāua meat destined for the black market. This illegal activity is believed to be linked to a previous bust that resulted in the lead perpetrator receiving 18 months in jail. Additionally, a commercial fisher in Whangarei was recently convicted of using a dragnet. His boat was seized and forfeited to the Crown. I fully support the Ministry of Fisheries in its activities to clamp down on those who choose to ignore the law.
What steps has the new Government taken to improve support for the compliance teams within the ministry?
In Budget 2009 $4.2 million over 4 years was obtained to improve the number of fisheries officers and honorary fisheries officers. We will see 104 fisheries officers on the beach—104 in total—and approximately 250 honorary fisheries officers across New Zealand. We are lining up the police force on the beach. We are clamping down on illegal fishing activities. We are proud to fulfil this election promise.