A Whitianga man has been fined $1100, and all his dive gear forfeited, after being caught at sea with more than three times the recreational daily limit.

Wayne David McFarlane was convicted in the Thames District Court yesterday after Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) fishery officers seized 175 scallops, 41 which were undersized.

Wayne McFarlane was convicted in the Thames District Court after being found with 175 scallops, more than three times the recreational limit.

Fishery officers identified the offending during a routine sea patrol on December 9 at Opito Bay, Coromandel.

McFarlane, as a sole diver, was entitled to 20 scallops for himself, plus a maximum two additional daily limits for the two safety people onboard the vessel at the time, a total of 60 scallops.

MPI district compliance manager Brendon Mikkelsen says this level of offending is 'just plain greedy”.

'Fishery officers will continue to conduct sea patrols and routine spot checks throughout the greater Coromandel Peninsula area.

'MPI is keen for the public and industry to report any suspicious activity in our fishery area by phoning 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are kept confidential if necessary.”

For further information about recreational fishing limits visit, www.fish.govt.nz or fishers can take advantage of MPI's free mobile services. Text ‘app' to 9889 to download the New Zealand fishing rules smartphone app.

By texting the name of the species this is being fished (e.g. crayfish or paua) to 9889, fishers will receive the size and limit number by return text. Texts are free.