Abalone apprehension at Aragunnu

Two young men from the Sutherland Shire may face court charges over allegedly catching more than 250 times the legal bag limit of abalone at Aragunnu in the Mimosa Rocks National Park, near Tathra.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Manager Special Operations (Fisheries) Tony Andrews said fisheries officers apprehended the men while conducting a routine surveillance operation ‘Delta Juliet’ on Thursday March 22.

“One man was aged 29 from Cronulla and the other aged 20 from Bundeena.

“DPI fisheries officers observed the two men on the headland with a catch bag, then apprehended the pair at the car park before they could leave the area.

“One man allegedly took the abalone while scuba diving. The other allegedly acted as a lookout and helped carry the abalone.

“DPI fisheries officers seized 566 live abalone, of which 529 were of prohibited size, as well as scuba diving gear.

“The abalone were counted, measured, photographed and returned to the water alive,” Mr Andrews said.

Strict size and possession limits apply to abalone in NSW. The recreational bag limit for abalone in NSW is two per person and the minimum size limit is 11.5 centimetres.

Abalone size limits assist in the conservation of their stocks. These limits are determined by fisheries researchers to allow them the opportunity to breed at least once before they are caught to ensure suitable stock levels for future.

The men may face possible court charges of possessing more than the maximum quantity of fish, possessing fish illegally taken and possessing prohibited size fish which carry penalties of up to $11,000, or three months imprisonment, or both for each offence. One of the men may also be charged with taking abalone while scuba diving which carries a fine of up to $11,000 and failing to pay the fishing fee could result in an additional fine of up to $2,200.

DPI officers regularly conduct covert and overt operations along the NSW coastline using land, sea and aircraft patrols.

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

Photos are available.

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