Allan MacDougall

ing numbers of people stripping the rocks at Ōtarawairere Bay of anything vaguely edible.

This pair had a metal gaff or prod, using one end to smash off anything down the crevices.

I politely confronted them, explaining the importance of what they were taking to the biodiversity and fish/birdlife of this small area of rocky shore.

I asked them to stop but they grinned and continued. The gentleman found an octopus and bizarrely held it up proudly for me to photograph him. I take this as permission to have his identity captured. I mentioned to him that in North Auckland what he was doing is now illegal. He admitted he knew that but carried on.

I urge other people to also confront those doing this. I have contacted Whakatāne District Council. It opts out of getting involved on the grounds that the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve does not include the intertidal zone.

I urge the council to urgently find some way to take action. The degradation of the shore is becoming rapidly apparent.

■ Phil Tasker, Fisheries New Zealand Regional Manager, Central responds:

“We would strongly advise all gatherers of any shellfish to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app to ensure they know the rules around daily catch limits and minimum sizes.

“Fishery officers will be enforcing all rules and patrol these areas.

We encourage people to report any suspected illegal activity directly through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).

The Government has taken action to protect marine life in rockpool and the coastline north of Auckland, and is considering further restrictions for shellfish harvesting around the country.

More information can be found at www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rockpool-closures-protect-marine-life