Queenstown’s The Rees Hotel Fined $22,000 for Illegal Crayfish Sales

A luxury hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, has been fined $22,000 for illegally selling crayfish caught through recreational means and for failing to maintain proper records. The Rees Hotel offered an exclusive dining experience, dubbed the Rees Ultimate Heli Crayfish experience, which included the sale of illegally sourced crayfish. Guests paid between $4,650 and $7,750 for the excursion, which featured a helicopter flight to a remote location where a diver would catch the crayfish, followed by a three-course meal featuring the freshly caught seafood.

The Rees Management Limited, operating as The Rees Hotel, was sentenced on October 24, 2023, in the Queenstown District Court. The charges stemmed from a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) under the Fisheries Act 1996 and the Fisheries (Recordkeeping) Regulations 1990. The MPI stated that the hotel had not only engaged in illegal sales but also neglected to comply with regulations that require proper documentation of such activities.

The prosecution’s case detailed how the hotel marketed its dining experience as a high-end offering, capitalizing on the allure of fresh, locally caught crayfish. However, the illegal nature of the catch raised significant concerns about sustainability and regulatory compliance.

In a statement following the court’s ruling, MPI officials underscored the importance of adhering to fishing regulations designed to protect marine ecosystems. They emphasized that such illegal practices undermine the integrity of the fishing industry and jeopardize future stock levels.

The fine imposed on The Rees Hotel serves as a reminder to other businesses in the hospitality sector about the necessity of following local laws regarding seafood procurement. The MPI has indicated that it will continue to monitor compliance within the industry to ensure that ecological standards are upheld and that illegal activities are addressed promptly.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges within the luxury tourism sector, where high demand for unique experiences can sometimes lead to ethical oversights. As travelers increasingly seek authentic culinary experiences, it remains crucial for providers to ensure that their offerings are both legal and sustainable.