A group of people and fishing companies from Hawke's Bay charged with breaches of the fisheries legislation have indicated they will defend the charges.
The people charged are Antonino D'Esposito, Giancarlo D'Esposito, Marcus D'Esposito and Robert Harvey, and the companies being prosecuted are Esplanade Number 3, Hawke's Bay Seafoods Limited and Ocean Enterprises Limited.
The defendants face more than 300 charges, including neglecting or refusing to supply particulars to the Ministry of Primary Industries and buying or selling fish in breach of the Fisheries Act.
Those charged did not appear in the Wellington District Court this morning but lawyers entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.
Judge Peter Hobbs carried the case over until January.
