Serious fines for abalone offence
by Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW 16 Sep 2023 21:06 BST
Serious fines for abalone offence © RFA of NSW
On 29th August at a 25 year old male from Canberra was convicted of serious offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. He was fined and ordered to pay professional costs which came to a total of $11,425.
The man was apprehended by Fisheries Officers at Cowdroys Beach near Tathra on the far south coast of NSW in December 2022. He was found to be in joint possession with 2 others of 80 abalone, this is 40 times the legal recreational bag limit of 2 per person. Such high numbers are deemed to be commercial take.
Further inspection found that 77 of the 80 abalone were smaller than the prescribed size limit of 11.7 cm for abalone and he had not paid the recreational fishing fee. Investigation showed the man had previously been involved in similar offences.
On this occasion, Fisheries Officers were able to return the seized abalone to the water alive.
Everyone has a role in protecting fisheries in NSW. The public is encouraged to report illegal or suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or report it online via the form.