Fiordland Charter Company Fined Heavily for Illegal Crayfish Operation
A charter fishing company operating in the stunning Fiordland region has been hit with a significant fine for illegally catching and serving a substantial amount of crayfish to its customers. Fiordland Cruises Limited has been ordered to pay $60,000 after pleading guilty to a charge under the Fisheries Act in the Invercargill District Court. The prosecution was brought by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which investigated multiple complaints received about charter vessels operating within the Fiordland Marine Area.
The allegations included concerns that seafood meals were being used as an incentive for paying passengers to join the charters. Following a thorough investigation, MPI discovered that Fiordland Cruises Limited had taken and served an estimated 1630 crayfish across 162 amateur fishing charters conducted between January and October last year. The estimated market value of these crayfish, had they been legally acquired and sold domestically, would have ranged between a staggering $239,610 and $244,500.
While the company faces a hefty penalty, it has been given the option to avoid forfeiting its vessel, the Southern Secret. This can be achieved by paying a redemption fee of $47,000.
Strict Rules for Charter Operators
Garreth Jay, the regional manager for compliance in the South for Fisheries New Zealand, emphasised that all charter operators are provided with clear guidance on the regulations governing their activities. He stated that the rules are explicit: only passengers who have personally caught fish recreationally are permitted to have that catch served to them on board the vessel. Crucially, a commercial business is prohibited from engaging in recreational fishing to then serve the catch to its customers.
Investigation Uncovers Illegal Practices
MPI fishery officers boarded the Southern Secret during their investigation and observed concerning practices. They found that passengers were being served crayfish for lunch, despite evidence suggesting these individuals had not participated in any fishing activities themselves. Furthermore, guests reported witnessing crew members actively retrieving cray pots.
Mr. Jay elaborated on the findings, stating, “The skipper told us that along with the chef, they would lift the craypots while passengers watched. This is illegal behaviour from a company that does not hold a commercial fishing licence and is not a Licensed Fish Receiver.” He concluded with a firm statement: “We expect those rules to be followed.”
The case highlights the importance of adhering to fisheries regulations, particularly in sensitive marine environments like Fiordland. The MPI’s robust investigation and subsequent prosecution serve as a clear message to all commercial operators that compliance with the law is paramount.
The illegal operation not only undermined fair fishing practices but also potentially impacted the sustainability of the local crayfish populations. By serving crayfish that were not legally caught by the passengers, Fiordland Cruises Limited bypassed established quotas and regulations designed to protect marine resources for future generations. The significant financial penalty reflects the seriousness of these breaches.
Broader Implications for Recreational Fishing
This incident also brings to light the distinction between recreational and commercial fishing. While amateur fishing charters provide a valuable service for people to enjoy the outdoors and the thrill of catching their own food, they must operate strictly within the defined boundaries of recreational fishing. The MPI’s stance is that any commercial entity profiting from the sale or provision of seafood must do so through legitimate commercial channels, adhering to licensing and catch reporting requirements.
The complaints that initiated the investigation underscore the vigilance of the public and other stakeholders in the marine environment. The MPI encourages anyone with information about potential breaches of fisheries law to come forward. Such reporting is vital in ensuring the integrity of New Zealand’s fisheries and the health of its marine ecosystems.
The outcome of this case is a reminder that even in remote and beautiful locations such as Fiordland, the law applies, and those who flout it will face consequences. The dual penalties of a substantial fine and a redemption fee for the vessel aim to deter future non-compliance and reinforce the importance of responsible fishing practices.
