Two men from Cronulla are likely to face criminal charges after allegedly being caught with over 30 times the legal bag and possession limit for abalone in NSW.

The men, aged 29 and 36, were allegedly apprehended by Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Officers with 126 abalone in their possession in the Mimosa Rocks National Park (north of Tathra) on 20 December 2007.  

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will allege that Fisheries Officers observed one of the men carrying a large bag containing the abalone at Aragunnu camping ground.  

When he was approached by Fisheries Officers, the man allegedly dropped the bag and ran from the area but was arrested a short time later. NSW Police Officers from Bega attended the scene to render assistance.  

Fisheries Officers allegedly found 92 abalone that were of a prohibited size, (measuring between 6.5cm and 11.3cm) in his bag. The minimum legal size for abalone is 11.5cm.  

The abalone were seized and returned to the water alive. A large quantity of diving equipment including SCUBA tanks was also seized.  

The 29-year-old is likely to face a range of charges, including: exceed the recreational bag limit of abalone, possessing prohibited size abalone, taking abalone on SCUBA, obstructing Fisheries Officers and providing false information. These offences carry maximum penalties of between $11,000 to $22,000, three months imprisonment or both. The DPI is considering laying charges against the 36-year-old man.  

Department of Primary Industries Manager Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton said strict size and possession limits apply to abalone in NSW waters.

“The recreational bag limit in areas open to abalone fishing is two per person. It is an offence to take abalone using SCUBA gear,” Mr Tritton said.

“The return of the abalone to the water is a great result for local officers and I congratulate them on their good work,” he said.  

DPI officers regularly conduct covert and overt operations along the NSW coastline using both marine craft and motor vehicles. Anyone witnessing illegal diving or fishing activity should report it immediately to DPI Fisheries Officers or the Fisher’s Watch Line on 1800 043 536.

Media contact: Kai Ianssen 0439 411 278