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Guilty plea a successful outcome for Fisheries

Friday 31 July, 2009

A Moonta Bay man has been fined more than $1100 in the Kadina Magistrates Court for illegally taking snapper during the closed season.

A seasonal closure applies to the taking of snapper. It is illegal to take snapper from any of the state’s waters during the closed season, which occurs from midday on 1 November until midday on 30 November.

Peter Michael Wheare pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $400 for the offence, along with an additional $783.75 imposed by the magistrate.

Fisheries officers found six large snapper in Mr Wheare’s possession, following a routine patrol at the Port Hughes boat ramp on the 1 November last year

Officers originally found six large snapper in Mr Wheare’s possession, however upon a thorough search of his vessel, they uncovered a further four large snapper concealed under bunk cushions within the cabin.

PIRSA Fisheries Acting Regional Manager Central North, James Sheppard, said that these types of offences were serious and will be continuously monitored by fisheries officers in the region. 

“The penalty handed down by the court should act as a deterrent for any fishers looking to ignore the rules,” Mr Sheppard said.

“The month long closed season was introduced to provide greater opportunity for snapper to successfully spawn. Fishers who take snapper during the closed season do so to the detriment of all South Australian fishers.

“Fisheries Officers will continue to focus on vessel inspections at key locations and times during the November closure.”

Mr Sheppard said that it was important to ensure that all fishers have equal access to the resource and that the regulations supporting the sustainability of the fishery are adhered to.

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.