Post by Lux on May 31, 2008 18:29:15 GMT 12
By NATHAN BEAUMONT - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 27 May 2008
The Fisheries Ministry has launched a major campaign to clamp down on black market paua rings in the North Island.
The ministry is concerned organised gangs appear to be stepping up poaching activities, supplying the domestic and international black markets.
The campaign will target coastlines in Wellington, Hastings and Auckland.
The ministry estimates the illegal paua market is worth $30 million a year. Poached paua sells for up to $1000 a kilogram in Hong Kong.
By law only 10 paua - a large edible shellfish with a colourful shell - can be gathered a day, with a minimum length of 125mm.
The ministry is considering reducing the minimum size limit for taking paua as some can remain smaller than 125mm despite being old enough to have reproduced.
The offence is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both.
This is one of my pet hates...it pisses me off mightily...mongrels.
The Fisheries Ministry has launched a major campaign to clamp down on black market paua rings in the North Island.
The ministry is concerned organised gangs appear to be stepping up poaching activities, supplying the domestic and international black markets.
The campaign will target coastlines in Wellington, Hastings and Auckland.
The ministry estimates the illegal paua market is worth $30 million a year. Poached paua sells for up to $1000 a kilogram in Hong Kong.
By law only 10 paua - a large edible shellfish with a colourful shell - can be gathered a day, with a minimum length of 125mm.
The ministry is considering reducing the minimum size limit for taking paua as some can remain smaller than 125mm despite being old enough to have reproduced.
The offence is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both.
This is one of my pet hates...it pisses me off mightily...mongrels.
