4 Feb 2011

MAF seizes trawler and 30-tonne catch

9:06 pm on 4 February 2011

The Ministry of Fisheries expects it will take a month to investigate a Tauranga-based trawler for alleged breaches of the Fisheries Act.

Fisheries officers seized the 30-metre vessel and its 30-tonne catch when it arrived at the Port of Napier this week.

MAF Hawke's Bay field operations manager Ray McKay says the fish have been sold and the ministry is holding the proceeds in a trust, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Mr McKay says neither the company nor the vessel can carry out any fishing activity until the investigation is complete.