A commercial fisherman has admitted failing to take proper steps to prevent the deaths of 38 albatrosses while fishing off the West Coast earlier this year.
Photo: 123rf.com
Daniel Joseph Smyth pleaded guilty in the Greymouth District Court today, on a charge of failing to use a line of streamers to deter the birds.
The Ministry for Primary Industries said recently that 40 to 60 albatrosses were accidentally killed every year, so it was taking this case seriously.
Smyth is expected to be sentenced in the Nelson District Court next month. He faces a fine of up to $100,000 and the loss of his boat.