DoC vows tough stance on fishing in marine reserve

The Department of Conservation is warning it will get tough on fishers who cast their lines inside marine reserves after a Whanga¯rei man was fined $500 for catching snapper inside the Whanga¯rei Harbour Marine Reserve.

Jeremy Adams, aged 40, has been convicted in the Whanga¯rei District Court on two offences under the Marine Reserves Act 1971.

He was fined $500 and four seized snapper were forfeited to the Crown. Adams was also charged with obstructing a ranger and fined $250.

DoC Whangarei District operations manager Louisa Gritt said people breaking laws should expect a tough stance.

“The Department of Conservation has a duty of care to protect marine reserves and the safety of DoC staff, and the law gives DoC the right to warn, charge and prosecute people breaching these laws,” Gritt said.

“People breaking laws can expect a tougher stance from DoC and we will be working closely with police when needed. We encourage mem- bers of the public to report any offences as soon as possible to DoC with as much information as possible.

“It is a good reminder heading into summer with lots of boats on the water that the responsibility is on the fisher or boat skipper to know marine reserve boundaries, which are well marked on land and sea and on chart plotters. Ignorance is not an excuse for fishing in a marine reserve.”

The summary of facts from the case says on February 17 this year Adams walked from Little Munro Bay to Lort Point, where he and two associates fished in the marine reserve.

A DoC ranger working alone witnessed the fishing and questioned the three men. Adams admitted to fishing and stated that he was confused by the sign on the track that he passed that detailed the Marine Reserve.

He then tried to leave with the fish, but the ranger told him to leave them, as they would be seized.

At this point Adams became aggressive and threatening and when the ranger tried to question one of the associates, Adams said he would “lose it”, and that “wouldn’t be good for [the ranger]”.

Adams’ aggressive and threatening behaviour resulted in the ranger retreating fearing for his safety.

To report someone fishing in a marine reserve call DOC HOT (0800 362 468)

The responsibility is on the fisher or boat skipper to know Marine Reserve boundaries.

Louisa Gritt