Nelson-based fishing company Amaltal has been fined $27,600 for illegal fishing in a marine reserve off the coast of Kaikōura. In November, the company, which is owned by Talley's, was found guilty of illegal fishing in the reserve, some months after the skipper was fined in May 2020 for his part in the fishing. The offending happened in March 2019, when the Amaltal Mariner strayed into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve while trawling for orange roughy. READ MORE:* Seafood firm could lose $20m vessel after trawling in protected area* Commercial fisherman fined $13.5k for fishing in Kahurangi Marine Reserve* Amaltal found guilty of illegal fishing in Kaikōura marine reserve* Skipper responsible for checking fishing permits, Amaltal saysAbout 104 kilograms of fish was reported being caught with the vessel inside the marine reserve for part of the trawl. The boat’s skipper, Darryle Saunders, maintained he was unaware he was in a marine reserve.

Source: Stuff March 09, 2021 04:51 UTC