Statement On Poaching Fails To Please M.P.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32379, 19 August 1970, Page 14

Statement On Poaching Fails To Please M.P.

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, Aug. 18. A written statement by the Minister of Marine (Mr McCready) that action against poaching by foreign fishing vessels depended on prompt notification of sightings did not please Mr T. M. McGuigan (Lab., Lyttelton) todayMr McGuigan’s written question which prompted the reply asked what had happened concerning a foreign fishing vessel sighted trawling off Banks Peninsula inside the legal limits, and notified to the Marine Department. “Measures to police New Zealand fisheries waters with a view to inhibiting poaching by foreign fishing vessels, other than those provided for in the agreement on fisheries between New Zealand and Japan, dated July 12, 1967, depend on prompt notification being received of sightings,” Mr McCready said. “On receipt of sighting reports in satisfactory detail to enable the area in which the infraction occurs and the vessel to be identified, and the probable location of the foreign vessel to be assessed, the operations staff of the Royal New Zealand Navy arrange for either sea or air patrol craft to intercept or identify the offending vessel. “In addition, the originator of a sighting report is interviewed by the police with a view to obtaining a written statement for subsequent use in determining the action to be taken in either making representations to the authorities concerned or in initiating the prosecution of the offending skipper and crew, if the vessel can be apprehended. “In the instance referred to I am informed that although an offence was allegedly observed at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, six miles off the coast of Banks Peninsula, the first report was not made to the police at Akaroa until 6.40 p.m., almost eight hours after the sighting, and after sunset NO FURTHER REPORTS “This, along with the statement as obtained by the police disclosing no evidence of actual fishing operations being observed, precluded any further action in respect of that complaint. No further sighting reports have been received by the department “It should be appreciated that the extensive area covered by the New Zealand fisheries waters requires sighting reports of actual fishing operations including a satisfactory identification of an offending vessel and its position to be made promptly by the fastest available means

in order that such vessel may be apprehended if possible by patrol craft. “Direct and positive evidence of actual fishing operations being carried out by the fishermen sighting unlawful activity is necessary before any prosecution is likely to be successful. It is not an offence for any vessel on innocent passage to traverse New Zealand fisheries waters or New Zealand territorial waters, and a mere suspicion that fishing operations have been carried out is insufficient grounds for a vessel being apprehended and a prosecution being initiated.” “UNREASONABLE” After receiving this reply, Mr McGuigan commented: “Fishermen and those concerned about the infiltration of our fishing grounds by foreign boats will not be reassured by the Minister’s reply. The placing of the onus on our fishermen is completely unreasonable, and fails to take into consideration the ability of the offender to depart swiftly, and the difficulty of our men at sea to communicate easily.” In reply to another written question by Mr McGuigan, the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake), said a radio news item suggesting the possibility of relaxing restrictions on foreign fishing vessels in limited areas was without foundation. “During my recent visit to Japan I discussed fishing matters briefly with the Prime Minister of Japan, but no mention was made of any possible relaxation of restrictions on foreign fishing vessels operating off New Zealand,” Sir Keith said. “No such proposals have been made to the Government by the Government of Japan.”