A boat has been spotted fishing inside a marine reserve along the Abel Tasman National Park coastline, as newly published data reveals that breaches of marine reserve rules tend to surge over the summer months. The two reserves in Tasman Bay feature prominently in those figures.
Stew Robertson, a DOC marine ranger based in Motueka, confirmed that a vessel was observed within the Tonga Island Marine Reserve on 16 November. A member of the public reported the sighting, describing a black 6.5-metre Stabicraft with a distinctive blue trim whose occupants were seen catching fish at around 12.45pm.
A separate incident was recorded on 5 November, when a 14-metre white launch was found anchored inside the Horoirangi Marine Reserve near Nelson. The vessel was picked up by a recently installed camera that monitors the reserve and remained at anchor for 90 minutes. Robertson described this as unusual and suspicious boating activity in that particular reserve.
Marine reserves carry strict prohibitions. Fishing is banned outright, as is taking or damaging marine life, removing natural materials, polluting, and feeding fish.
Robertson has appealed for the skippers of both vessels to come forward, and is also asking anyone who witnessed either boat in the reserve to contact DOC. Information can be provided anonymously and is treated confidentially.
He noted that the two reserves are now subject to greater community scrutiny, following the formation of a new Coastwatch group made up of staff from several central and local government agencies alongside local residents.
Anyone who witnesses or suspects illegal activity in a marine reserve should call 0800 DOC HOT. Useful information includes details of any fishers on land or any boat involved, descriptions of those aboard, and the location, timing, and nature of the suspected activity. Photographs and video footage are also valuable, and all information provided by the public is welcomed.
