The Rees Management Limited, operating as The Rees Hotel, has been fined $22,000 for violating the Fisheries Act 1996 and the Fisheries (Recordkeeping) Regulations 1990.
According to reports, the hotel unlawfully offered recreationally caught crayfish as part of a high-end guest experience and failed to maintain required records.
The Rees Ultimate Heli Crayfish Dining Experience
The hotel’s high-end offering, The Rees Ultimate Heli Crayfish Dining Experience, involved flying guests by helicopter over the Southern Alps to a secluded West Coast beach, where a diver gathered live crayfish; the catch was then transported back to the hotel and prepared for the guests’ meal.
Under the Fisheries Act, anyone harvesting fish for sale must hold a commercial fishing licence. Despite being clearly advised that the experience did not comply with these regulations, the hotel continued to offer the package.
“The rules are there for a reason – to safeguard the resource for current and future generations, protect the integrity of the fisheries management system, and ensure a level playing field for businesses using seafood as part of their commercial activities,” Fisheries New Zealand South regional manager Garreth Jay said.
The hotel failed to maintain the necessary records of the crayfish, which, according to Jay, made it challenging to determine the full extent of the violations.
“Where we find evidence of people breaking the rules, we will investigate and take appropriate action.”
“We all have a role to play in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our fisheries,” he added.
Jay encourages the public to report suspected illegal activity through free-calling 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24).