Boat seized after three men caught with 99 snappers in Kawakawa Bay in the Hauraki Gulf

Fisheries officials have seized a boat that was caught in the Hauraki Gulf with nearly five times the legal limit for snappers.

The three men on the boat were caught with 99 snappers among them inside a mussel farm near Kawakawa Bay east of Clevedon on Wednesday, and are likely to face prosecution.

The daily limit in the area is seven snappers per person, or 21 for three men.

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) said one snapper was undersized and officials also found an undersized kingfish in the catch.

MPI District Fish Compliance team leader Glen Blackwell said the group had “much more than its daily share.”

“Their boat was seized and the three fishermen are likely to be prosecuted,” he said.

“This is a lot of snapper. The rules are there for a reason: to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources so that everyone can have the opportunity to put kaimoana on the table.

“The MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activities through the ministry’s number 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24).

“Recreational Anglers Encouraged to Download the Free NZ Fishing Rules App.”