A Canterbury-based company has been fined $24,000 for biosecurity breaches after illegally supplying approximately 259 tonnes of live green-lipped mussels from a restricted area to an exporter.
Aroma Aquaculture Limited was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court on one representative charge under the Biosecurity Act. The sentencing follows a successful prosecution led by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Details of the Breach
The court heard that Aroma Aquaculture Limited supplied 27 consignments, totaling about 259,000kg of live mussels, to Ikana New Zealand Limited, a licensed fish receiver and exporter. MPI investigations revealed that the offending was the result of a direct business arrangement between the two companies.
The illegal movement of the shellfish violated biosecurity controls specifically designed to prevent the spread of Bonamia ostreae, a parasite that has already had a significant impact on the flat oyster fishery.
Industry-Wide Implications
Aleshea Allen, MPI acting director of investigations and compliance support, emphasized that the movement controls have been in place across areas of the South Island since 2015 and have been well understood by the industry for years.
“Bonamia ostreae has had a significant effect on the flat-oyster fishery, and we all need to do our part to prevent it from spreading,” Allen stated. She further warned that the actions of Aroma Aquaculture “had the potential to damage both the natural environment and the reputation of New Zealand’s multi-million-dollar shellfish industry.”
Broader Investigation and Penalties
The case came to light after a biosecurity inspector uncovered evidence of illegal shellfish movements involving various operators, including processors, transporters, and producers.
Ikana New Zealand Limited was also penalized for its role in the arrangement. In March, the company was fined $30,000 after it was found they did not possess the required permit to receive the shellfish.
MPI has maintained that while the vast majority of operators adhere to the regulations, the agency will take action whenever evidence of offending is discovered.
Potential Outlook
Given the MPI’s stance on protecting the shellfish industry, the agency may continue to prioritize the detection of illegal shellfish movements. Industry operators could face increased scrutiny as authorities work to ensure the Bonamia ostreae parasite does not spread further, which may lead to more prosecutions if further breaches are uncovered.
