TWO fishing boats were seized by the Fisheries Department in the North last week believed to have been involved in illegal night diving.
However, divisional fisheries officer northern Gerald Billings said the boats along with the fishermen were released on the same day but their catch was detained after they showed their fishing licences.
"The fishermen went fishing in the north part of Macuata where one chief in the area had allowed them to fish while another chief disapproved," Mr Billings said.
"We notified police where the fishermen showed us their licences and we released them again last Friday," he said.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said they were tipped off that there was illegal fishing activity.
"When we went to pursue the matter, we asked for their licences and informed the department of the incident," she said.
Ms Naisoro said the issue would be dealt with by the department and Commissioner Northern's office.