Leigh locals are concerned at what seems to be an illegal poaching situation that is frequently happening at Leigh wharf.

Residents have noticed large groups of people fishing off the Leigh wharf, often fishing all day and well into the night, catching hundreds of piper which they then suspect are sold to restaurants. People have reported these fishermen staying out past midnight.

Piper has no size limit or restrictions on how many you can catch, so fishing like this for personal use is completely legal. However, it is illegal to sell them without a licence. One local claims they had a chat with the fishers and was told they were selling the piper to a restaurant. 

Some have said they have seen a sign-written restaurant van come to collect multiple 10 kg buckets from these fishermen.

Other locals have said this problem isn't just isolated to Leigh Wharf, but also Ti Point, and near Leigh cemetery. 

If you see suspicious fishing activity, take note of the car registrations involved and report it to MPI fisheries officers, which can be reached on 0800 47 62 24.