Fisheries New Zealand has issued a stark warning after groups were found ignoring a mussel harvesting closure or taking more than they should have from open areas.
In November 2024, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa requested a two-year closure to be placed over an area of Ōhiwa Harbour to the harvest of mussels, to provide support for their traditional rāhui and boost an area of the harbour where mussel beds have been reseeded.
"Over the past month fishery officers in Whakatāne stopped a person who had 779 green lipped mussels – taken from the closed part of Ōhiwa Harbour," said Fisheries New Zealand district manager Gisborne/Whakatāne Jordan Cooper.
For green lipped mussels in open areas, the daily limit per person was 50.
"Other people who had their catch inspected were found with 92 green lipped mussels taken from the closed area and another person with 154 green lipped mussels taken from an open area. It’s likely some of these people will be prosecuted."
In addition to the green lipped mussel offending, another group of fishers who had their catch inspected were found with 2771 pipi they had taken from an open area of Ōhiwa Harbour.
The daily limit for harvesting pipi was 150 per person.
"We seized their fishing vessel and prosecution is likely. When we find evidence of fishing rules being deliberately broken – we will take action."
Cooper said it was "disappointing to find people taking green lipped mussels from an area that was closed to rebuild mussel beds".
She said fishery officers would continue to patrol the area closely, and take action against people who disregard these rules.
Anyone who suspected any illegal activity could report this through the Ministry for Primary Industries' phone line on 0800 476 224.
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