Two Men Face Court
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Two men are to face court in Milton on the NSW south coast for illegal fishing of abalone, following the seizure by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Officers of 460 freshly shucked abalone, 313 prohibited size abalone shells, a tray back vehicle and assorted dive gear.
The DPI Director of Compliance Paul O’Connor said that the two 30-year-old men from Sanctury Point men were allegedly observed diving at Inyadda Point, Manyana, and leaving the water with two full large hessian bags, which they placed in the back of a car.
NSW Police Highway Patrol assisted by stopping the vehicle on the Princes Highway heading north near the Bendalong turnoff on the south coast.
During a search, Fisheries Officers found a large quantity of freshly shucked abalone meat in brown hessian bags. A further 313 prohibited sized abalone shells, were retrieved from bushes near the dive location at Manyana.
“Abalone theft is a serious offence, and offenders face hefty fines or even jail terms,” Mr O’Connor said.
“One of the largest problems facing the NSW abalone fishery is illegal theft. Last year, DPI Fisheries’ officers on the South Coast seized more than 11 800 abalone, 78 sets of dive gear and five motor vehicles.”
“The illegal harvesting and sale of seafood threatens fish stocks, undermines the legitimate commercial fishing industry and endangers the health of seafood consumers.”
“Recreational fishers are allowed a bag limit of 10 abalone per day. Each abalone must be at least 11.5 cm long.
“A person must not shuck (shell) abalone in or on or adjacent to any waters in NSW. ”
Mr O’Connor said DPI was appealing to the community to help stop abalone theft by being particularly vigilant when spending time on the coast.
“You might see unusual activity when fishing, diving, bushwalking, surfing, swimming or even walking the dog on a coastal headland.
“If you see what you think may be illegal diving activity please report it to a DPI Fisheries Officer,” he said.
Mr O’Connor said all information received was treated as confidential and people who provide information that leads to a conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $1000.
“Information that will assist Fisheries Officers includes timely details (call as soon as possible), numbers of people involved, vehicle/boat registrations, location and fresh shell dumps.
“I urge anyone concerned about illegal fishing activities to call their local NSW DPI Fisheries’ office or the Fisheries Watch number 1800 043 536.”
In addition, Fisheries Officers at Merimbula can be contacted on (02) 6495 2347 or on mobile number 0407 950 713; at Eden on (02) 6496 1377; at Narooma on (02) 4476 2072; and at Batemans Bay on (02) 4472 4155 or mobile 0429 847889.
Further information about bag and size limits can be obtained via the NSW DPI Fisheries’ online or from any NSW DPI Fisheries’ office.
MEDIA CONTACT SARAH CHESTER ON (02) 6036 2100 OR 0417 207 669.