A man found in possession of hundreds of abalone and whelks during a NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries compliance operation, has been fined $8000 in court.
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The 44 year old man from Melbourne was sentenced in Bega Local Court last month for the offences committed at Merimbula in June 2015.
NSWDPI acting director of Fisheries Compliance Tony Andrews said the man was inspected by Fisheries Officers at Merimbula boat ramp and found to be in possession of 83 shucked abalone and 776 whelks.
“The man was interviewed and charged by Fisheries Officers, with possess more than possession limit of fish which carries a maximum penalty of $22,000 or six months’ imprisonment or both, and possession of fish in circumstances of aggravation, which carries a penalty of $44,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment or both,” Mr Andrews said.
“All fish were seized and the whelks were returned to the water alive.
“The man faced court and was convicted and fined $4000 for each offence ($8000 in total).
“Over harvesting of inter-tidal shellfish has a detrimental impact on the wider marine eco-system and is disappointing to those fishers who do the right thing.
“People wishing to take shellfish for consumption should familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations which are in place to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.”
The possession limit per person for abalone is two, with a minimum size limit of 11.7cm.
Fishers can also have up to a maximum of 20 whelks.
All fishers must also make sure they carry a valid recreational fishing fee with them at all times.
“The collection of inter-tidal shellfish is a priority area for DPI Fisheries Compliance. Fisheries Officers will continue to monitor and enforce the regulations in this fishery,” Mr Andrews said.
“Anyone who suspects the illegal taking and sale of shellfish in NSW, or any illegal fishing, should report it to the Fisher's Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536.”
