Three more abalone apprehensions on South Coast

Three men aged in their twenties will face court charged with abalone theft on the South Coast of NSW, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Mr Macdonald said the apprehension of the men from Quaama and Cooma follows a recent crackdown on illegal abalone fishing activity on the South Coast.

"Abalone theft not only threatens important regional industries, but can also damage the wider marine environment," Mr Macdonald said.

"The Iemma Government will continue to crack down on illegal abalone fishing activity and bring offenders before the courts."

The men, intercepted at Cuttagee, South of Bermagui, were allegedly found to be in possession of 175 shucked blacklip abalone with an estimated wholesale value of more than $2,000.

The men were charged with possessing more than the maximum quantity of abalone and possessing prohibited size abalone.

Both offences carry a maximum fine of $11,000 or three months imprisonment, or both.

They were also charged with possessing shucked abalone adjacent to waters, which carries a maximum fine of $5,500; and failure to pay recreational fishing fees, which carries a maximum fine of $2,200.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director of Compliance Operations Glenn Tritton said the legal possession limit 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," Mr Tritton 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."

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