Trio charged over trout poaching from Rotorua spawning streamFish and GameThree men have been charged with poaching 17 spawning trout from a highly valuable spawning stream in Rotorua. Leef and co-accused Thomas Tawha, 43, were convicted in November 2014 of poaching as many as 60 spawning trout from the spawning stream near Lake Rotoiti. "Trout poaching such as this has the potential to severely impact on the trout fisheries Fish & Game manages." The maximum penalty for trout poaching is two years imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine. The trio are due to appear in Rotorua District Court on August 25 charged with unlawful possession of sports fish.

Source: Stuff August 10, 2016 02:03 UTC