Sanford was targeting orange roughy in the in the Puysegur Benthic Protection Area. Photo: NZ HeraldCommercial fishing company Sanford Limited has been ordered to forfeit a $20 million vessel, and fined $36,000 for bottom trawling in a restricted area. Sanford was convicted on three representative charges relating to fishing in the Puysegur Benthic Protection Area, west of Stewart Island. Benthic Protection Areas, which are susceptible to damage by bottom trawling activities, are closed to protect marine biological life. The San Waitaki is a stern type deep-sea trawler, weighing 1900 tons and was built in 1990.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 23, 2021 03:11 UTC