Big fines for lobster theft
by Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW 13 May 2021 16:33 AEST
Two men have been issued over $20,000 in fines and costs after being found guilty of lobster theft. NSW DPI fisheries officers found a large quantity of Eastern Rock Lobsters (ERLs) contained in an esky which was being transported in their vehicle.
Fisheries officers received information from members of the public before stopping the vehicle on the Princes Highway at Nowra on 12th July 2018. They counted and measured the ERLs and found the men to be in possession of 86 ERLs. 48 of the ERLs were found to be of a prohibited size. All the ERL were seized and released to the water.
ERL have a minimum size of 10.4 cm, maximum size of 18 cm, bag and possession limit of two. The men received the fines and costs when appearing separately in court in 2019 and 2021.
Members of the public are urged to report suspected illegal fishing activity by calling the NSW DPI Fishers Watch service on 1800 043 536 or report it online.