The skipper of an Amaltal vessel has been fined after he admitted fishing in a marine reserve. Darryle Ray Saunders​, 58, was fined $15,525 for removing marine life from the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, off the coast of Kaikōura for commercial purposes last March. Amaltal, which also faces a charge of removing marine life from the marine reserve for commercial purposes, has entered a not guilty plea. The status of marine reserve is the strongest legal protection available to the marine environment and all forms of fishing are prohibited. Supplied/Department of Conservation Kaikoura coast at South Bay, with the Hikurangi Marine Reserve in the background.

Source: Stuff May 27, 2020 03:00 UTC