Plot Synopsis

COASTWATCH follows the men and women who patrol and protect New Zealand's precious marine environment -- the Ministry of Fisheries, and the New Zealand Air Force and those who keep our waterways safe from risk and accidents -- the Maritime Police and Coastguard. The task facing these organizations is huge. Illegal fishing and poaching is still a major problem throughout New Zealand. As well as large scale poaching there is the relentless tide of reckless or carefree shell food gatherers and recreational fishermen who often exceed their daily limit. COASTWATCH had its United States premiere on Planet Green on July 2, 2010 at 8pm with back-to-back episodes.