A Christchurch fish processing company has been fined $20,000 after illegally receiving more than 239,000kg of green lipped mussels from a restricted biosecurity zone.

Ikana New Zealand Limited pleaded guilty to nine charges under the Biosecurity Act and was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court following a prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries on 13 March 2026.

MPI director of investigations and compliance support Gary Orr said the company arranged the movement of live mussels from the Upper South Contained Zone without the required permits.

“Ikana New Zealand Limited arranged the movement of live green-lipped mussels from the Upper South Contained Zone, which regulations prohibit them from doing. This was because Ikana did not have a permit to receive this seafood for processing and the company supplying the shellfish also did not have a permit to supply it,” Orr said.

Investigators found the Christchurch processor received 27 consignments of mussels despite restrictions designed to prevent the spread of the marine disease Bonamia ostreae.

“Our investigation found Ikana received 27 consignments amounting to more than 239,000kg of live green-lipped mussels illegally. Ikana’s action was in breach of the Bonamia ostreae Controlled Area Notice – implemented to prevent the spread of the unwanted organism Bonamia ostreae,” Orr said.

The Controlled Area Notice has been in force across parts of the South Island since 2015 after the disease severely affected flat oyster fisheries.

Orr said the illegal movement of shellfish also carried wider risks for the seafood sector.

“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,” he said.

The breaches came to light in October 2024 when a biosecurity inspector discovered mussels were being moved without permits by both seafood producers and processors.

MPI said the aquaculture companies that supplied the shellfish are also facing charges under the Biosecurity Act, with those cases still before the court along with several associated companies.

Orr said most people working in the commercial fishing industry complied with the rules designed to protect the sector.

“The vast majority of people who work in the commercial fishing industry are responsible and do the right thing by following all rules and regulations. Ikana’s action was negligent and the unlawful shellfish had the potential to cause serious harm to the reputation of our country’s multi-million-dollar export and domestic shellfish industry. When we find evidence of offending we take action,” he said.

MPI is encouraging anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing or seafood activity to contact its 0800 4 POACHER line on 0800 476 224.