The man alleged to be the leader of a Wellington paua poaching network appeared in Lower Hutt District Court this morning.
Saravusi Mao was remanded in custody to appear again on June 12.
He was one of more than 70 people arrested over the past two days in a massive crackdown targeting the illicit harvest and trade in paua from the Wellington coast.
Some are facing charges with maximum penalties of a $250,000 fine and five years in jail.
Another person is scheduled to appear in Manakau District Court in South Auckland today.
A number of Auckland-based people will also face charges in Manakau District Court on Friday. The remainder of alleged offenders will appear in Lower Hutt District Court on June 10, 12 and 17.
Those appearing in court are expected to face more than 300 serious charges under the Fisheries Act 1996.
