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Jail sentence handed down for rocklobster offences

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

PIRSA Fisheries says a jail sentence handed down to a man in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last week sets a strong deterrent to would-be fishing offenders.

Percy Plunkett, of Mount Gambier was sentenced to six months jail, with a non-parole period of three months for significant rocklobster offences.

Mr Plunkett was found guilty and convicted of trafficking a priority species and possession of undersized rocklobster.

Limestone Coast Regional Manager with PIRSA Fisheries, Mel Snart said the jail sentence handed down suitably reflects the severity of the offences.

“Mr Plunkett was found in possession of 81 rocklobster of which 17 were also undersized. This is an obvious commercial quantity,” she said.

“This sentence creates an appropriate deterrent for those individuals who seek to profit illegally from our fish stocks without holding an appropriate authority to do so.

“These sort of offences put the sustainability of the rocklobster industry at risk, and in turn jeopardises the future of the local communities that rely on it.”

Ms Snart explained that the case stems from an operation with SA Police which uncovered the rock lobster haul back in December 2007.

“Police officers detected a large quantity of rocklobster at Mr Plunkett’s Mount Gambier residence, and a cooperative investigation with PIRSA Fisheries led to charges being laid for the trafficking of a priority species under the Fisheries Management Act 2007,” she said.

“Officers confiscated the 81 rocklobster as well as four rocklobster pots and a chest freezer.”

In addition to the jail sentence, Mr Plunkett is also prohibited from engaging in any form of rocklobster fishing or possession of rocklobster pots for the next five years.

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