Ashfield grocery store involved in one of State’s biggest abalone busts

In one of NSW’s largest abalone busts, the owner of an Ashfield grocery store has been caught by DPI Fisheries officers with an alleged illegal haul of 2,437 black-lip abalone, worth more than $26,000, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald said it’s believed that all of the abalone seized were supplied by illegal abalone syndicates on the NSW south coast.

"DPI Fisheries Officers inspected the grocery store in Ashfield and allegedly found all of the abalone stored in chest freezers," said Minister Macdonald.

"The abalone seized amounts to over half a tonne of live abalone, and is valued at over $26,500 on the legitimate market."

The 44-year-old Ashfield man allegedly had no licence, permit or authority to receive abalone.

"Illegal fishing and black market sales of abalone in NSW threaten valuable stocks, undermine licensed commercial fishers and the regional economies they support, and endanger the health of those of us who love to eat seafood," said Minister Macdonald.

"Under NSW fishing laws, only authorised commercial fishers are allowed to catch and sell abalone.

"Strict licensing conditions also apply to people who receive abalone. They must maintain and supply prescribed records to Fisheries Officers on demand.

"Anyone illegally catching abalone faces penalties of up to $11,000 and three month’s imprisonment or both. Failure to produce a prescribed record for receiving abalone attracts a fine of up to $22,000."

Recreational fishers are allowed a bag limit of two abalone per day. Each abalone must be at least 11.5cm in length.

The Iemma Government through DPI officers regularly conduct covert and overt operations along the NSW coastline using both marine craft and motor vehicles.

Any illegal diving or fishing activity should be reported immediately to DPI Fisheries Officers or the Fisher’s Watch Line on 1800 043 536.