Over 5000 pipi were taken out of Ohiwa Harbour in Whakatāne by four men. Four men who took over 5000 pipis in the Bay of Plenty have been convicted and fined. Joseph Te Owai Koopu, 47, pleaded guilty to possessing 1,075 pipi. He was convicted and fined $1,500 and the vessel he used in the offending was forfeited to the Crown. We all have a responsibility to ensure the sustainability of a precious resource and environment when gathering kaimoana."

Source: Stuff October 03, 2019 23:03 UTC