Poachers have been caught red handed through calls from the public to a fisheries hotline, Acting Fisheries Minister David Carter says.
Mr Carter said the "Every Fish Counts" summer campaign run by the ministry had been a big success.
"Increased awareness of fishing rules and less tolerance of the few who flout them was illustrated by record numbers of calls to the 0800 4 POACHER hotline," he said today.
"Some of these led directly to fisheries thieves being caught red-handed."
Mr Carter said there were more than 2000 calls in the December to February period and 14,239 inspections were carried out by fisheries officers.
"I applaud the efforts of vigilant members of the public and the work of fishery officers and honorary fishery officers at our favourite fishing spots," her said.
"The Government is committed to ongoing support of their efforts, with more staff out and about over the next two years."
