Boaties are being warned navigation markers are to be used for navigational purposes only, and not for personal use.

Four large yellow and black buoys identify the area of the aquaculture farm, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster – Eastern, Brian Spake believes boaties using them as moorings contributed to the loss of the Eastern Mark in June.

Navigational markers are being used to tie boats to.

The eastern mark is believed to have sunk. The southern mark was also looking low in the water recently but the buoyancy chamber is now filled with foam.

Brian says there's a continuing problem with boats tying up illegally to navigation markers which identify the area of the aquaculture farm.

'This has contributed to the loss of the markers. It's an offence within the Navigation Safety Bylaw to do this and it carries and infringement fine of $200.”

Brian says the markers are there for navigational purposes only.

'Boaties are welcome to tie up to the actual marine farm mussel buoys,” he says. 'Any sightings of the missing markers should be reported to the Harbourmaster by telephone or via Coastguard Radio on VHF channel 80.”