The scallop season closes March 31, making their continued fishing in Tauranga harbour, the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Waikato and Northland illegal.
Penalties for poaching out of season scallops include fines of $250 to $500 per offence. Serious breaches can result in fines of up to $250,000 plus confiscation of dive gear, boats and vehicles.

Scallop season has ended in the Bay of Plenty.

"We are pleased most scallop fishers thought about their responsibilities and respected the rules," says Ministry of Fisheries regional manager for the north of New Zealand, Ian Bright.
"Some fishers tried to get in before the season started - something we don't tolerate. We won't tolerate anyone trying to extend it for themselves either."
Fishery officers will be active during Easter making sure that the public knows about the season closing and the good reasons for it, says Ian.
The next scallop season starts on September 1, including for Kaipara Harbour. The scallop season in Nelson/Marlborough and Wellington closed last month.
"The Ministry's Every Fish Counts summer awareness programme is a success, including in the scallop fishery," says Ian.
"We ask that the four million guardians of our fisheries remain vigilant and if you see anything suspicious on the beaches or your other favourite fishing spots, please don't hesitate to call 0800 4 POACHER."
Other shellfish also remain unavailable in the Bay of Plenty, Toi te Ora Public Health says paralytic shellfish poison levels are still too high to make eating them safe.
"Unfortunately the levels are still quite high," says Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack.
The poison has affected the Bay of Plenty shellfish for more than three months.