A major operation to uncover New Zealand's black market in rock lobster has left 43 people facing serious charges under the Fisheries Act.
Fifty officers from the Ministry for Primary Industries have spent the past year targeting recreational fishers in the South Island.
The rock lobster sold to the undercover police officer. Photo: NZ POLICE
The operation focused on Kaikoura, but also included Christchurch, Nelson and Marlborough.
During the year-long operation, an undercover officer bought 1200 cooked rock lobster from recreational fishers.
The ministry's director of compliance, Dean Baigent, said the ease with which he was able to do so pointed to a well-established black market.
Photo: NZ POLICE
Among those facing charges are a food wholesaler and a restaurateur in Christchurch.
Under the Fisheries Act it is illegal to sell recreational fishing catch, with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and-or a fine of $250,000.
