Northland fishers face fines up to $500 for exceeding limits on protected toheroa, tuatua, or pipi.

Fisheries New Zealand warns recreational fishers in Northland that illegal harvesting of protected toheroa and excessive tuatua or pipi take may lead to prosecution. The legal limit is 150 tuatua or pipi per person, with over 50 toheroa triggering court action and fines up to $500. Sixteen tips were reported via the poacher hotline, and while most violations result in warnings, serious cases may face prosecution. Northland has a 96% compliance rate, but officials urge fishers to use the free NZ Fishing Rules app for up-to-date regulations and report suspected illegal fishing via the 0800 4 POACHER hotline.