MEDIA RELEASE  

Tuesday 14 December, 2010

With the holiday season just weeks away, PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture say two recent court outcomes on the Limestone Coast send a strong message about the need to obey Fisheries legislation.

In the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last week, commercial Rocklobster fisherman John Howard, of Port MacDonnell, was convicted and fined $23 000 after pleading guilty to two charges of taking undersize Rocklobster.

As well as the fines, Mr Howard was ordered to pay court costs, had a conviction recorded and has been disqualified from undertaking any form of Rocklobster fishing for a period of six weeks.

The case stems from two incidents in 2009 when Fisheries officers found Mr Howard to be in possession of undersize Rocklobster.

In handing down the decision, the Magistrate said that as a commercial fisherman, Mr Howard either knew the Rocklobster were undersize or was negligent.

Also in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last week, recreational fisher Geoffrey Johnson, was found guilty of selling Rocklobster caught recreationally.

Mr Johnson was fined a total of $8 000 and was disqualified from holding or obtaining a recreational Rocklobster registration or engaging in any other fishing activity in South Australia, either directly or indirectly, for the next five years.

Regional Manager Limestone Coast with PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mel Snart, said that these cases set a strong deterrent for other would-be fishing offenders.

“In the case of Mr Howard, a commercial fisherman of his experience should act more professionally in accurately measuring all Rocklobster caught and returning any undersize fish to the water immediately,” she said.

“The taking of undersized Rocklobster will not be tolerated and fishers need to be responsible in ensuring they are working within the rules.

“These undersized Rocklobster are integral to future stocks and therefore must be protected to ensure the fishery remains sustainable.

“In Mr Johnson’s case, he deliberately tried to sell and profit from what is a community owned resource. Recreational fishers must be aware that this type of offence risks not only the sustainability of the fishery; it also jeopardises the livelihoods of licensed commercial fishers and the local community.

Ms Snart said that these cases were a timely reminder to anyone planning fishing trips over the holiday period of the need to familiarise themselves with current South Australian fishing legislation.

“Fisheries Officers will be patrolling known fishing locations over the holiday period both on land and at sea, on the look out for anyone doing the wrong thing,” she said.

“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 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 can choose to remain anonymous.