A lower North Island iwi is considering whether iwi coastline patrols should be re-introduced after three men were caught poaching 867 paua near Titahi Bay on Monday.
The men face serious charges and, if convicted, could receive a maximum of five years in jail and/or a $250,000 fine.
The Runanga chair of Ngati Toa, Taku Parai, said he is glad the men were caught and wants to know who they are.
He hoped the Government would consider helping his iwi to patrol the waters by providing resources.
Mr Parai says now that paua is becoming scarce, the price will go up, and some people will resort to getting them illegally.
A recreational fisher is only allow to take 10 paua a day.