The diver fished for the creatures off South Island's Canterbury (east) coast but, acting on a tip-off, fisheries officers intercepted him and searched his car.
They found 500 paua, a type of abalone unique to New Zealand, and 36 rock lobster. The maximum daily catch limit is 10 paua and six rock lobster. If convicted, the diver faces the fine of up to $250,000 plus possible seizure of his vehicle.
A Ministry of Fisheries manager told the New Zealand Herald that he believed the diver's catch was destined for the black market in Canterbury's main city, Christchurch.
He added that the case involved by far the largest haul detected this summer. Although 30 infringement notices had been issued to divers and fishers in the Canterbury region, generally fishing behaviour had been good.
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