A shocking revelation in Fiordland: a fishing charter company has been penalized a hefty sum for illegally serving crayfish to its customers, a practice that could have serious implications for the sustainability of our marine resources!
It turns out that Fiordland Cruises Limited, operating in the pristine waters of Fiordland, has been fined a substantial $60,000 in the Invercargill District Court. This penalty stems from a conviction under the Fisheries Act, brought about by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The company was found to have been illegally catching and serving crayfish, with the value of these illicit catches estimated to be as high as $244,500.
But here's where it gets particularly concerning: The court did grant some relief, allowing Fiordland Cruises to retain their vessel, the 'Southern Secret,' after paying a redemption fee of $47,000. This means the boat, which was central to these illegal operations, will continue to sail, albeit under stricter scrutiny.
Garreth Jay, the regional manager for Fisheries NZ compliance in the south, revealed that MPI had been receiving a number of complaints regarding charter vessel operators in the Fiordland Marine Area, and the 'Southern Secret' was specifically mentioned. These allegations painted a picture where seafood meals, including the prized crayfish, were allegedly used as an incentive to entice paying passengers to book charter trips. A significant question also arose: who was actually responsible for gathering this seafood – the charter operators themselves, or the paying guests?
An in-depth investigation by MPI uncovered a disturbing pattern. From January to October of 2023, Fiordland Cruises conducted 162 amateur fishing charters. During these trips, a staggering 1630 crayfish were caught and subsequently served to guests for lunch. The crucial detail here is that the company did not possess a commercial fishing licence, making this operation entirely illegal. The estimated market value of these crayfish, had they been sold legally, would have ranged from $239,610 to $244,500, based on a retail price of $147 to $150 per kilogram.
And this is the part most people miss: Fishery officers who boarded the 'Southern Secret' during their investigation observed passengers being served crayfish for lunch, even though these individuals had not participated in any fishing activities. Guests themselves reported that they hadn't caught the crayfish and had witnessed the crew clearing the cray pots. The skipper even admitted that he and the chef would lift the cray pots while passengers observed. This is a clear violation of the law, as a commercial business cannot engage in recreational fishing to supply its customers, especially without being a Licensed Fish Receiver.
Jay emphasized that all charter operators are provided with clear guidelines on the regulations, and a strong expectation exists that these rules will be adhered to. He further stated that MPI will take action if evidence emerges of fish being taken and used outside the Quota Management System (QMS) for commercial gain. The QMS is a cornerstone of ensuring the long-term sustainability of our fishing activities and the economic health of our fishery resources, protecting legitimate commercial operators.
What do you think about this situation? Is a $60,000 fine enough to deter such practices, or should the penalties be more severe? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective on maintaining the integrity of our fisheries!
If you suspect any illegal fishing activity, you can confidentially report it to MPI by calling the 0800 4 POACHER line at 0800 476 224.
