Local Fishermen Vigilantes Take Action Against Outsiders

By John Freer

Perceived fish poaching and a lack of respect for fishery protection, along with a boat ramming, has seen several Tairua and Pauanui locals taking matters into their own hands.

The matter came to a head recently when one local while out diving, confronted a group of people who he believed were plundering the local fishing grounds. A verbal altercation occurred as his boat was rammed.

A call to other locals concerned about how some outsiders are treating local fishing beds resulted in some 20 people mobilising to catch the alleged culprits.

Pauanui’s Royal Billy Goat Boat Ramp was blocked preventing the visiting anglers from leaving.

Spence Hall was the diver, and it was his boat that was rammed.

When checking the catch Spence was angry that a large number of juvenile fish had been landed instead of being thrown back so they could mature.

He tells CFM his version of events and that local fishermen have simply had enough.

Open the link below to hear our interview.