A 6.5m Stabicraft was spotted in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve with the occupants seen catching fish on 16 November. Photo: Department of Conservation
A boat has been seen fishing in a marine reserve off the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park as newly released data shows similar offences spike during summer.
The two reserves in Tasman Bay featuring prominently in the data on marine reserve rule breaches.
Motueka-based Department of Conservation (DOC) marine ranger Stew Robertson said a boat was seen off the Abel Tasman coastline on 16 November inside the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
A member of the public alerted DOC to the black 6.5 metre Stabicraft, with a distinctive blue trim, whose occupants were seen catching fish about 12.45pm.
A 14-metre white launch was also seen anchored in the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, near Nelson on 5 November.
It was detected on a recently installed camera which monitors the marine reserve, anchored for 90 minutes, which Robertson said was unusual and suspicious boating activity in this particular reserve.
Fishing is banned in marine reserves. Taking and damaging marine life, removing natural materials, polluting and feeding fish are also prohibited.
Roberston has urged for the skipper of either vessel to make contact, or for anyone who saw them in the marine reserve to get in touch with DOC. Information can be provided anonymously and is treated confidentially.
He said there were now more people keeping an eye on the two marine reserves, through the launch of a new Coastwatch group comprising staff from several central and local government agencies and local residents.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal activity in a marine reserve should call 0800 DOC HOT. Information valuable to DOC includes details of any fishers on land, or any boat involved, descriptions of those aboard, where and when it was seen - and the nature of the alleged activity. Any information offered by the public is valuable, including photographs and videos.
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