North roadside fish sellers busted

Recreational anglers are being warned they risk prosecution if caught buying or selling their catch after officials found two selling fish from car boots.

In one incident, a 50-year-old woman was caught selling mullet for $5-$9 per fish from her car in Whangarei.

In the other a middle-aged man and woman were also caught selling mullet, from the boot of their car in Kerikeri. The freshly-caught mullet was on sale for $3-$5 a fish.

In both cases the fish and vehicles were seized and the individuals involved are likely to face prosecution under the Fisheries Act 1996. The offence carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

Ministry for Primary Industries compliance manager for Northland Darren Edwards said fish could only be sold by commercial fishermen or commercially-operated fish retailers.