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Moonta Bay man charged with fisheries offence

Wednesday, 28 October, 2009

A Moonta Bay man has been convicted and fined more than $900 in the Kadina Magistrates Court for exceeding the daily bag limit for King George Whiting.

Under South Australian fisheries legislation recreational fishers must abide by a series of maximum daily size, bag and boat limits which aim to protect the sustainability of our fish stocks.

For King George Whiting, the daily bag limit is 12 per person and the maximum boat limit is 36 (when three people are on board).

Shane Hobbs pleaded guilty to the charge of exceeding the daily limit for King George Whiting and was fined a total of $955.

Fisheries Officers observed Mr Hobbs’ activities at Port Hughes on 31 March 2009 as a result of information provided via the FISHWATCH number. 

Upon inspection of his vessel, Mr Hobbs was found to be in possession of 28 King George Whiting, 16 more than the daily bag limit for the species.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager Central North, Paul Faithow, said that this type of illegal fishing activity will not be tolerated and encouraged fishers to make sure they fully understand the rules that apply to recreational fishing in SA.

“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.

Mr Faithow said PIRSA Fisheries officers will continue to be on the look out for any illegal activity and will continue to monitor jetties and boat ramps across the Yorke Peninsula and the rest of the state.

“If fishers are unsure of the regulations they can send a free text message with the name of the fish to the SMSFish number 0427 767 995 and receive an immediate response listing the official size, bag and boat limit that applies to that particular species,” he said.

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