Ikana New Zealand Fined $20,000 for Biosecurity Violations

A Christchurch fish processing company, Ikana New Zealand, has been fined $20,000 after pleading guilty to nine biosecurity offences. The ruling came from the Christchurch District Court this month, following an investigation by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The MPI found that Ikana received a total of 27 shipments, amounting to more than 239 tonnes of live green-lipped mussels from the Upper South Contained Zone, which includes areas near Nelson and Marlborough.

Since 2015, strict restrictions have been in place to prevent the spread of the shellfish disease Bonamia ostreae, which poses a serious threat to flat oysters. An MPI biosecurity inspector uncovered the illegal movement of these mussels in October 2024. According to MPI, neither Ikana nor the supplier of the mussels obtained the necessary permits to facilitate the transfer.

MPI’s Director of Investigations and Compliance Support, Gary Orr, emphasized that Ikana’s actions were negligent. He remarked, “These green-lipped mussel shellfish were for export, and the unlawful movement of this shellfish had potential to cause serious reputational harm to the New Zealand shellfish industry.” Orr also acknowledged the integrity of the majority of individuals working within the commercial fishing sector, highlighting that they adhere to established rules and regulations.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with biosecurity measures designed to protect local marine ecosystems and industries. As New Zealand continues to promote its seafood exports, incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance in maintaining the integrity of its biosecurity framework.