Two nights, two busts
Taranaki fishery officers have intercepted two groups of pāua gatherers caught taking hundreds of shellfish from closed coastal areas in the region this week.
On Wednesday night, three people were stopped near Ōpunake with 118 pāua, 16 of which were undersize. Just 24 hours later, another trio was caught at Rahotu with an even larger haul – 338 pāua, including 199 below the legal size limit.
Both incidents occurred within the Western Taranaki closure zone, which has been off-limits to all shellfish gathering since 2023.
Tip-offs and teamwork
Fisheries New Zealand district manager Aaron Mendoza said officers were acting on information from the public.
“We received a call on our 0800 4 POACHER line last night, reporting suspicious activity, including a vehicle registration,” Mendoza said. “Our fishery officers responded, and with the support of New Zealand Police, stopped the gatherers in their vehicle after they had taken pāua from the Rahotu area.”
All six offenders are expected to face prosecution.
Protecting a struggling fishery
The Western Taranaki closure area extends from Tapuae Stream, just south of New Plymouth, to Taungatara Stream, south of Ōpunake. The area is completely closed to the taking of any shellfish, including pāua, until December 2026.
Mendoza said the closure is vital to allow depleted shellfish stocks to recover.
“The area is closed for a reason – to rebuild shellfish stocks and ensure sustainable fisheries into the future. When people disregard the rules, they’re stealing from everyone.”
Know the rules before you gather
In the Taranaki region, pāua must measure at least 85 millimetres, with a daily limit of five per person.
“Our message is simple,” Mendoza added. “Help protect the fishery for everyone by knowing where you can fish and where you cannot.”
Fishers are encouraged to download the free NZ Fishing Rules App, which provides up-to-date regulations even when offline, and to report any suspicious activity to the 0800 4 POACHER hotline.
