Fisheries New Zealand and Police Maritime officers conducted 514 inspections of recreational fishers across Auckland's east and west coasts during a joint weekend patrol, finding 15 people in breach of fishing rules.
The operation involved 28 fishery officers and honorary fishery officers checking catches at sea and through vehicle checkpoints ahead of the summer season.
"With summer on its way, we expect more fishers on the water and along our coasts – so more fishery officers will be out and about to make sure the rules are being followed," said Glen Blackwell, Fisheries New Zealand district manager for North Harbour.
Nine fishers on the East Coast were found with undersize snapper. On the West Coast, one person had exceeded oyster limits and three others had taken undersize scallops.
Two illegal set nets discovered joined together at Mill Bay in a west coast closure area are being considered for prosecution. An unmarked set net found at Titirangi is being issued a warning. Two infringement notices were issued for undersize snapper, with remaining offenders receiving formal warnings.
Blackwell said overall compliance was high. He urged fishers to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app before heading out, calling it "as essential to your fishing kit as your physical gear."
A new closure for several shellfish species takes effect 1 November for the Auckland and Coromandel coasts, including Waiheke Island, with reduced catch limits in some open areas.
