Two men allegedly poaching paua from rock pools at a Wellington marine reserve over two months - in broad daylight and wearing high-viz vests - have been described as arrogant by the Department of Conservation.
Doc biodiversity ranger Colin Giddy said the men had been poaching paua since January but were reported last week by residents who overlook the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, which extends about 2.3km off the capital’s south coast.
The men were apprehended by Doc rangers and could face charges under the Marine Reserves Act and Fisheries Act.
Penalties can result in jail terms of up to three months and fines of up to $10,000.
