Imagine being served a luxurious crayfish lunch on a fishing charter, only to find out it was caught illegally—and now the company is paying the price. A shocking $60,000 fine has been slapped on Fiordland Cruises Limited, an amateur fishing charter company, for illegally harvesting and serving crayfish worth up to $244,500. But here's where it gets controversial: while the company faced hefty penalties, their vessel, the Southern Secret, was spared forfeiture after a $47,000 redemption fee was paid. Is this justice, or a loophole for those who break the rules?
The case, prosecuted by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), unfolded in the Invercargill District Court, where the company was charged under the Fisheries Act. And this is the part most people miss: the investigation revealed that between January and October 2023, Fiordland Cruises operated 162 amateur fishing charters, during which 1,630 crayfish were caught and served to paying guests—all without a commercial fishing license. These crayfish, valued at $147 to $150 per kilogram, would have fetched a small fortune on the domestic market.
Garreth Jay, Fisheries NZ compliance regional manager, highlighted that MPI had received multiple complaints about charter operators in the Fiordland Marine Area, including the Southern Secret. Allegations suggested that seafood meals were used as bait to lure customers, raising questions about who was actually catching the seafood—the operators or the paying guests. Here’s the kicker: fishery officers who boarded the Southern Secret found passengers being served crayfish for lunch despite not participating in the fishing. Guests reported seeing the crew clearing cray pots, while the skipper admitted to lifting the pots alongside the chef, all under the watchful eyes of the passengers.
This behavior is not only illegal but also undermines the rules governing recreational and commercial fishing. Jay emphasized that charter operators are provided with clear guidelines, and compliance is expected. The Quota Management System (QMS), which ensures sustainable fishing practices and supports legitimate commercial operators, was blatantly disregarded in this case. But is the fine enough to deter others? Or does it simply highlight a larger issue in the industry?
MPI has made it clear: if evidence of illegal fishing or misuse of seafood outside the QMS is found, they will act. For now, anyone suspecting illegal activity can report it via the 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224). The question remains: are the penalties sufficient to protect our marine resources, or do we need stricter measures? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this is a conversation worth having.
