Full Breakdown
Illegal Lobster Harvests Exposed in Whananaki
9/6/2026, 11:23:55 AM
Enforcement Operation Reveals Widespread Non-Compliance
On August 20, officers from MPI Fisheries Northland observed two people hurriedly leave a dive site after abandoning a bag that contained eight undersized packhorse rock lobsters, all taken with purpose-made illegal crayfish hooks. Several of those lobsters were in a soft-shell stage, making them especially vulnerable. The same haul also included four red rock lobsters—one undersized and one egg-bearing female—and four undersized paua, indicating the area functions as a nursery for juvenile marine species.
Five days later, officers inspected catches brought ashore by two men seen diving and seized eight additional undersized packhorse rock lobsters, many also soft-shell. On a third visit, three divers were found with a hidden bag holding 26 undersized packhorse rock lobsters and a female red rock lobster carrying external eggs. Full sets of dive gear were seized from two of the divers, and the men were warned that prosecution was likely. Each individual is to receive an infringement notice of up to $750.
No-Take Ban and Regulatory Context
Gathering red spiny rock lobster (red crayfish) has been prohibited along Whananaki and the entire east coast of Northland under a strict “no-take” rule that began on April 1 of this year. The ban applies to both recreational and commercial fishers and is slated to remain in force for at least five years to aid population recovery. The west coast remains open, but daily bag limits have been adjusted to two spiny rock lobsters per person in open areas and three packhorse rock lobsters per person nationwide.
Penalties and MPI Response
MPI Fisheries Northland notes that offenders can face fines of up to $100,000 and the possible seizure of vessels and gear. The agency emphasized that using spears or other puncturing devices on rock lobsters is illegal, and possession of lobsters caught by such means constitutes an offence. MPI warned that continued non-compliance threatens the long-term sustainability of these valuable resources and called on local communities to report suspicious activity via the 0800 4 POACHER hotline (0800 476 224).
Conservation Concerns
The repeated capture of undersized, soft-shell, and egg-bearing lobsters underscores pressure on juvenile habitats. MPI highlighted that protecting these ecosystems requires collective effort to ensure future generations can enjoy healthy marine environments. The agency’s statements link the current enforcement actions directly to broader sustainability goals for Northland’s fisheries.
