A Fiordland fishing charter company has been fined $60,000 for illegally serving crayfish to customers, highlighting a serious breach of fishing regulations. The company, Fiordland Cruises Limited, was prosecuted by the Ministry for Primary Industries for catching and serving an estimated $250,000 worth of crayfish during 162 amateur fishing charters between January and October 2023. Despite the fine, the company will avoid losing its vessel, the Southern Secret, by paying a redemption fee of $47,000. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to fishing laws, as it not only impacts the sustainability of the industry but also the safety and enjoyment of passengers. The Ministry received complaints about charter vessels using seafood meals to encourage participation, and an investigation confirmed the company's illegal activities. Fisheries New Zealand's compliance regional manager, Garreth Jay, emphasized that only recreationally caught fish can be served to passengers, and commercial operators must not engage in such practices. The discovery of crayfish being served to non-fishing passengers and the sight of crew members clearing cray pots further emphasizes the severity of the violation. Jay stated that such illegal behavior is unacceptable and should be strictly enforced to maintain the integrity of the fishing industry.
