Blitz uncovers illegal rock lobster fishing
Wednesday 5 March, 2008

Fisheries Officers from Mt Gambier, Kingston and Adelaide have just completed a three day blitz targeting illegal rock lobster fishing in the Carpenters Rocks area in the Limestone Coast region of the State.

As a result of the land and sea based patrols, eight recreational fishers will face a range of charges including over potting, failing to clip the tail fan and taking over the daily boat limit of rock lobster.

The blitz was as a result of investigations conducted by Fisheries Officers over recent weeks. During this first stage of the operation, officers reported that about 60% of all recreational rock lobster fishers observed had broken a number of basic fishing rules.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager East, Ms Mel Snart said the blitz had highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance by Fisheries Officers to protect the rock lobster fishery from over fishing on the Limestone Coast.

"The rules are put in place to allow fishers to catch a reasonable feed of lobsters but at the same time ensure the long-term health of a valuable resource,” Ms Snart said.

"It was obvious from the work we have done earlier that there is an unacceptable number of recreational rock lobster fishers who are pulling their own pots and then pulling other fishers’ pots with or without their permission until they get their daily bag limit of rock lobsters.

"Fishers are pulling anything between three and eight pots or as many as required to make up their bag limit. Fishers can only operate pots registered in their name and must be present on the vessel.

"It is anticipated that some of the fishers caught will be briefed to appear in court at a later date and others will be expiated, depending on the severity of the illegal activity.

"Fines for these types of offences can include a maximum penalty for a first offence ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 with expiations ranging between $100 and $315 for each offence."

Fishers who see any suspected illegal activity are encouraged to report it to the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.

Media Contact: Gary Darter, Acting Manager Compliance Operations, PIRSA Fisheries, Ph: 0408 805 477.