Gaol sentence for repeat abalone thief

A 29 year old Mossy Point man with a history of abalone theft has been sentenced to three months gaol, ordered to pay $8,730 and lost his $1500 boat and trailer.

The man appeared in the Moruya Local Court on Friday June 15 and pleaded guilty to two separate offences which occurred on 5th of October, 2006.

The first was for possessing 63 abalone – more than 30 times the limit. The second charge was for ‘shucking’ (removing meat from the shell) of abalone in his boat while on the water.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Manager Fisheries Compliance, Mr Glenn Tritton said the man was apprehended at the Mossy Point boat ramp after an extended surveillance operation. The man was known to DPI fisheries officers and had previous convictions for abalone theft.

“He was seen diving at Burrewarra Headland, near Mossy Point, south of Batemans Bay and taking and shucking the abalone from his boat.

“DPI Fisheries officers seized 63 abalone, 61 shucked, diving gear and his $1500 boat and trailer.

"Abalone has a daily bag limit of two per person and must not be removed from the shell while fishers are in, on, or adjacent to the water.

“This is so Fisheries Officers can measure the abalone to ensure it meets the minimum size limit of 11.5 cm,” Mr Tritton said.

On Friday (June 15) the man faced the Moruya Local Court where he was convicted and sentenced to three months gaol and forfeited his boat, motor and trailer valued at $1500.

The gaol term was suspended for three months if he entered into a good behaviour bond for three months. Costs, totalling $8730, were also awarded against him.

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.

Email: