Suspended jail sentence for abalone thieves
Thursday 1 May, 2008

Two men have been given suspended jail sentences after being found guilty of a number of abalone related fisheries offences.

Appearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, Mr Loc Huu Vo (49) of Parafield Gardens and Mr Van Lil Mai (47) of Wingfield were found guilty of taking more than 2,700 roei abalone in April 2005 from an area north of Tumby Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. All of the abalone were undersize.

In addition, Mr Vo was found guilty of possessing an additional 1,339 dried abalone that were located at his house.

As a result, Mr Vo was sentenced to eight months three weeks jail, which was suspended. He was also placed on a three year good behaviour bond. Mr Vo was fined a total of $14,441.60.

Mr Mai was sentenced to seven months jail, which was suspended. He was also placed on a three year good behaviour bond. Mr Mai was fined a total of $15,255.

PIRSA Fisheries Manager Compliance Services, Mr Paul Tatarelli said this type of illegal activity involved commercial quantities of abalone and will continue to be actively pursued by PIRSA Fisheries.

"Fisheries Officers are concentrating on preventing the illegal catch of abalone and will continue to conduct both uniform and covert patrols at known abalone hotspots around the coast," Mr Tatarelli said.

The two men were originally detected by Fisheries Officers following a tip-off from a member of the public to the PIRSA Fishwatch telephone hotline.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing or suspicious activities to the 24 hour number which is 1800 065 522.

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