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Fishwatch call leads to cuttlefish bust at Whyalla

Tuesday 29 June, 2010

A Fishwatch call has led to three people being reported by PIRSA Fisheries for allegedly fishing in the Whyalla cuttlefish closed area over the weekend.

The three people, one from Adelaide and two from Renmark were intercepted at Stoney Point, north of Whyalla, after Fisheries Officers received a call from a concerned member of the public.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager Central North, Paul Faithow said that Fisheries Officers found the alleged offenders taking cuttlefish within the closed area at Stoney Point.

“Twelve cuttlefish were seized and upon further investigation another 51 were located in one of the alleged offender’s vehicle,” he said.

“A total of 63 cuttlefish and one squid were seized weighing 43 kilograms in total as well as two eskies.”

Mr Faithow said that the closed area was put in place to protect the unique cuttlefish spawning ground.

“The closure covers the area of False Bay, just north of Whyalla from the BHP Jetty to the Point Lowly Lighthouse. It is an offence to take any cephalopods from within this area, which includes cuttlefish, squid and octopus,” he said.

“The closure has been in place for a number of years and has been well publicised. 

“It’s been very pleasing from PIRSA Fisheries’ point of view to see that the local community has taken ownership of the closure and I would like to commend the concerned member of the public who reported this illegal fishing activity.

“Fines from $5000 apply for this type of offence.”

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.

Size, bag and boat limit information is available via the SMSFish system. Simply send the name of the fish you are targeting to the SMSFish number 0427 767 995, and you will receive an immediate response with the size, bag and boat limit that applies to that particular species.