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Hefty price for rock lobster offences

Friday, 18 September, 2009

A Tantanoola man has been convicted and fined more than $6300 in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court for using in excess of the legal number of rock lobster pots.

Under South Australian legislation recreational fishers may only use a maximum of two rock lobster pots which must be registered through PIRSA Fisheries.

Neil Colin Webber pleaded guilty to six counts of taking fish using excess gear. Mr Webber was fined $5400 with an additional penalty of $910 imposed by the magistrate.

Fisheries Officers observed Mr Webber’s activities over a period in January 2009 at Lighthouse Bay, near Carpenters Rocks in the state’s South East. He was found to have been using four rock lobster pots at one time.

In addition to the fines, the magistrate ordered that Mr Webber be prohibited from any rock lobster fishing activity for five years as well as ordering the forfeiture of four rock lobster pots and a quantity of rock lobster.

PIRSA Fisheries Manager Regional Operations, Peter Dietman, said that this type of illegal fishing activity will not be tolerated and reminded fishers that it is unlawful to operate more than two rock lobster pots or to operate rock lobster pots which are registered in another person’s name.

“These rules are in place to protect the long-term sustainability of the fishery and hopefully this penalty will act as a deterrent for fishers looking to ignore these rules,” he said.

Fishers are also reminded that recreational rock lobster pots are not permitted to have a buoy attached that displays the licence number of a commercial fishery.

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.  Callers can choose to remain anonymous.