Fisheries Officers from NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Statewide Operations and Investigations group conducting a targeted patrol of diving locations on the far south coast of NSW have apprehended three men from Bega.

The three men aged between 24 and 30 will face court charged with various offences related to abalone theft.

The men were apprehended at Long Point Merimbula on 19 February after Fisheries Officers stopped a vehicle as it departed the Long Point Access track.

It is alleged that 250 live blacklip abalone (187 of prohibited size) were located in the boot of the vehicle. The abalone is valued at approximately $3500 on the legitimate market.

Fisheries Officers returned all of the live abalone back to the water.

As well as the abalone, Fisheries Officers also seized a quantity of diving gear.

The men were charged with possessing more than the maximum quantity of abalone, possessing prohibited size abalone, and possessing fish illegally taken. All three offences carry a maximum fine of $11,000 or three months imprisonment, or both.

They were also charged with obstructing a Fisheries’ Officer and providing false information. Both these offences carry a fine of $22,000 or three months imprisonment, or both.

NSW DPI Manager Special Operations Compliance Operations (Fisheries), Tony Andrews, said the legal possession limit of abalone for NSW recreational divers was two per person.

"When you are fishing in NSW waters, you’re required by law to carry a receipt showing the payment of the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee - this also applies when diving and gathering abalone," he said.

"Any information relating to illegal diving or fishing activities should be reported immediately to the nearest NSW DPI Fisheries office, or on the Fishers’ Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536."

Photos available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669