Three men caught on suspicion of paua poaching in Christchurch may be linked to an illegal fishing operation uncovered last month, say Ministry of Fisheries officers.
Three sacks containing 350 paua were found hidden among rocks near the Sumner boat ramp, where the men had been seen acting suspiciously.
The ministry says there may be a connection with an incident last month in which eight divers were found on Banks Peninsula with more than 500 paua.
It has thanked members of the public who phoned the ministry's poaching hotline to report the suspicious activity.
District compliance manager Peter Hyde says both groups are likely to be charged with poaching offences.
If convicted, the men face fines of up to $250,000 and could also forfeit their cars.