Two Gisborne fishermen are facing prosecution after being caught with 157 undersized pāua.

Fisheries officers stopped the pair this week while doing catch inspections at Waihau Beach, about 40km north of Gisborne.

Fisheries New Zealand Gisborne, Whakatāne and Central District manager Jordan Cooper said all pāua recovered were undersized, with the smallest at 60mm – less than half the legal size of 125mm.

“Our fishery officers patrol a large coastal area and with summer on the way and more people expected to be fishing, you can expect to regularly see us along the coasts and beaches,” he said.

Cooper said the daily pāua limit was five per person.

“This is in place to ensure sustainability.

“People who take more than their share are stealing from us all.

“When we find evidence of these rules being deliberately broken, we will take action.”

Fisheries officers said all pāua seized from the Gisborne fishermen were under the 125mm minimum size. Photo / MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24).