New Zealand

Fishing companies on trial for under-reporting catches plead guilty

13:20 pm on 30 December 2017

Several fishing companies and their directors have pleaded guilty to more than 120 charges relating to under-reporting and fraud.

The [http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/331055/fishing-companies-on-trial-for-under-reporting-catches

trial began] in the Wellington District Court in May.

Hawke's Bay Seafoods, several subsidiaries, directors including Nino D'Esposito, Joe D'Esposito and Marcus D'Esposito, and skippers of fishing boats, were facing 355 charges relating to the export of undeclared bluenose and trumpeter fish.

A spokesperson for the Ministry for Primary Industries said guilty pleas were entered on at least 122 charges on 22 December.

That brought the case to a close, she said.

A sentencing date is yet to be set.