Warkworth’s New Zealand Diving shop has started an amnesty scheme to encourage recreational fishers to give up dredging for scallops.
Conservationists oppose dredging because in addition to scallops, dredges scoop up vital marine life – much of it food for larger fish. The net result is a barren sea bed and a dearth of fish.
Anyone who hands in a dredge to New Zealand Diving can receive $150 off any dive course worth $350 or more.
Two people can take advantage of the offer for each dredge handed in, realising a saving of $300.
The offer ends on December 31 and the course will need to be completed by June 30, next year. The offer cannot be used with any other store promotion.
All participants must be double vaccinated against Covid-19.
