NSW Fisheries and police still bagging illegal abalone fishers

by Alyssa Fitzgerald on 20 Dec 2011 Two men have been ordered to appear before the Eden Local Court early next year after they were discovered to be (allegedly) in possession of 265 illegal abalone on the NSW South Coast this past week.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said NSW Police Officers found the shucked abalone after they searched the vehicle as part of a routine traffic stop.

'After stopping the vehicle north of Eden, the police officers had reason to search the vehicle and found two bags containing a large quantity of shucked abalone meats,' Mr Tritton said.

A quantity of wet diving gear and equipment was also found in the vehicle. 'NSW DPI fisheries officers counted the abalone and found a total of 265 shucked abalone meats. 'The vehicle, abalone, diving gear and equipment were seized.

'Two men, aged 35 and 26 years old from the Cobargo and Moruya areas, will now face Eden Local Court on 11 January 2012 for the aggravated possession of more than the possession limit of abalone and trafficking in an indictable species of fish.'

Mr Tritton said NSW DPI Fisheries Officers and NSW Police will continue to work together on the South Coast to stamp out the illegal fishing of prized seafood such as abalone.

'This latest arrest follows the seizure of 429 live abalone, a vehicle and diving equipment south of Bodalla a day earlier in a joint operation by fisheries officers and NSW Police,' Mr Tritton said.

'Abalone is listed as a priority and indictable species under NSW law and the catch limit is two abalone per person in waters open to the taking of abalone.

'Persons found guilty of trafficking abalone could face up to 10 years imprisonment. Repeat offenders can also face fines of up to $88,000 for each offence detected.

'Fisheries and police officers will continue to target illegal fishing on the South Coast and bring offenders before the courts.'

Anyone with information on illegal activity is encouraged to contact their local NSW DPI Fisheries Office or call the Fisher’s Watch line on 1800 043 536.

DPI NSW website