Illegal fishing net in Auckland marine reserve caught pied shag, sharks and eagle rays - DoC investigating
16 Feb, 2021 04:33 AM
3 minutes to read
Social issues reporter, NZ Heraldmichael.neilson@nzherald.co.nz
An illegal 120-metre long fishing net has been discovered in an Auckland marine reserve full of dead sea life including rays, sharks and seabirds.
A Department of Conservation ranger discovered the net in Motu Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve, to the northwest of Auckland in the Waitematā Harbour, on February 2.
The net was attached by a milk bottle float and anchor at one end and tied to a mangrove tree on the shoreline.
DOC's Auckland Operations Manager Kirsty Prior says DOC takes these offences very seriously. "There are no excuses for setting nets in a marine reserve,.
Date:Â Â 23 December 2020
DOC Marine Reserves Ranger Gabrielle Goodin says she is delighted that the marine reserves in the Auckland region are receiving additional tools for protection under the Conservation (Infringement Systems) Act 2018.Â
âThe system also gives DOC a better understanding as to where offending is happening and the frequency of it. DOC can then effectively target compliance resources to reduce offences in the future.â
The system will allow DOC to issue infringement notices to people breaking conservation laws, in addition to the existing compliance tools.
DOC is encouraging anyone who observes people breaking conservation rules, such as fishing in a reserve or putting marine wildlife at risk, to report the behaviour with as much information as possible to 0800 DOC HOT.Â