|
|
MPI
to prosecute over fishing-related albatross deaths – new rules to be put in
place
14
July 2016
The
Ministry for Primary Industries is prosecuting a commercial fisherman in relation
to the deaths of 38 albatrosses and is moving to put in place additional
measures to help prevent further seabird deaths.
The
charges relate to an incident off the West Coast in which 38 albatrosses died
when a commercial fisherman fishing for Southern Bluefin Tuna allegedly failed
to use a tori line - a mandatory mitigation device designed to scare birds away
from baited hooks.
The
skipper faces a maximum fine of $100,000 in relation to an offence under the
Fisheries (Commercial Fishing) Regulations and forfeiture of the vessel used in
the operation.
MPI
Acting Director Fisheries Management, Steve Halley, says the decision to
prosecute sends a clear message that the rules need to be followed.
“MPI
works regularly with commercial fishers to reiterate the importance of bird
mitigation and the need to comply with regulations designed to prevent seabird
bycatch.
No comments:
Post a Comment