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Abalone poachers nabbed at Stansbury

Monday 29 March, 2010

An alleged illegal abalone operation has been uncovered on the Yorke Peninsula following a recent PIRSA Fisheries and SA Police operation.

A Point Pearce man and a Whyalla man were detected in February allegedly taking 410 abalone, of which 83 were undersized, from waters off Stansbury on the lower Yorke Peninsula.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager Central North, Paul Faithow, said that 410 abalone equated to 43 kilograms which could be considered a commercial quantity.

“Considering that the daily bag limit for abalone is five and the boat limit is 10, these men were clearly looking to profit through an organised, illegal fishing operation,” Mr Faithow said.

“Fisheries officers also seized the vessel the two men were using as well as the dive gear they were using.”

The maximum penalty for abalone trafficking offences in South Australia is $100,000 or four years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for taking undersized abalone is $5000.

Mr Faithow said that the two men were also reported for marine safety offences.

“It’s important that potential offenders heed the warnings created by successful operations like this. Fisheries officers are out there patrolling our beaches and waterways and you will be caught,” he said.

“Size, bag and boat limits are an important tool in managing the State’s valuable fish stocks and ensuring their continued sustainability.

“If fishers are unsure of the regulations they can send a free text message with the name of the fish to the SMSFish number 0427 767 995. They will then receive an immediate response listing the official size, bag and boat limit that applies to that particular species.”

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.  Callers will speak to a Fisheries Officer and can choose to remain anonymous.