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Interstate fisher convicted of Rocklobster offences

MEDIA RELEASE 

Thursday, 5 January 2012

Recreational fishers are being reminded of the hefty penalties that apply to breaching fishing regulations, after a Victorian man was convicted and fined for Rocklobster offences in the Naracoorte Magistrates Court.

In November, Bruce Carr of Horsham, pleaded guilty to two counts including using Rocklobster pots not registered in his name and interfering with a lawful fishing activity.

Mr Carr was banned from holding a recreational Rocklobster pot registration for two years, required to forfeit the catch and equipment including five Rocklobster pots and fined.

The February 2011 incident at Guichen Bay near Robe was identified by Fisheries Officers who observed 58 year old Carr operating the pots not registered in his own name and interfering with a number of other Rocklobster pots.
Limestone Coast Regional Manager, Hamish Telfer, said the conviction sends a strong message to fishers that the community is watching and anyone caught engaging in illegal activities will not be tolerated.
“It is unlawful to operate or interfere with Rocklobster pots which are registered in another person’s name,” Mr Telfer said.

“These rules are in place to not only protect the long-term sustainability of the fishery but to ensure all fishers have equal access to the state’s resources.
 “It’s extremely disappointing to see this disregard of the rules and fishers need to be aware that our Officers and the public are watching and anyone who breaks the rules will be prosecuted.”
People are encouraged to report illegal or suspicious fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.
While Officers are not always able to respond immediately, information is collated and used to target operations which address illegal fishing.