Fisheries officers have stopped a group of commercial fishers in the Thames region, in northern New Zealand, who were allegedly under-reporting catches and unlawfully supplying snapper to an Auckland fish supply business. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been investigating allegations into the unlawful trade of commercially caught fish from Thames to the Auckland area. Forty-five fishery officers and the New Zealand Police executed searches at five locations, including three residential properties across the Auckland and Waikato regions. Phones and computers were seized and analysed. During the searches, over NZD25,000 (~EUR15,000) in cash was seized along with six commercial fishing vessels and a refrigerated truck. Approximately 800 kg of undocumented grey mullet and kahawai were located, along with 230 kg of undocumented snapper. Eight people have been interviewed and could face prosecution, however, enquiries are ongoing.
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