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Patrol vessel intercepts illegal rock lobster operation

Wednesday 20 January, 2010

An illegal rock lobster operation was intercepted on the state’s far west coast this week as part of a targeted PIRSA Fisheries operation.

Officers aboard PIRSA Fisheries main patrol vessel, the FPV Southern Ranger, supported by ground crews, successfully intercepted a 13.5 metre West Australian rock lobster vessel found fishing within South Australian waters, including the Great Australian Bight conservation zone.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager West, Andrew Carr, said that the vessel operator had no Northern Zone Rock Lobster quota allocated to them in South Australia and was therefore fishing in state waters illegally.

“The vessel was found to have set 77 rock lobster pots within SA waters, which had hauled in a total of 130 rock lobsters,” he said.

“Fisheries Officers seized 119 rock lobster valued at approximately $5000 and weighing 120kg in total.”

“Officers also seized rock lobster pots, as well as their vessel, with the vessel master and deckhand to be summoned to appear in court at a later date.

“The maximum penalty for this sort of offence is a $250,000 fine or four years’ imprisonment.

“This particular investigation is a terrific example of PIRSA Fisheries’ capabilities in detecting and investigating fishing offences right across SA waters.

“It also shows just how effective the Southern Ranger is in moving through open seas undetected, dramatically enhancing our investigative capabilities.”

The Southern Ranger is a state-of-the-art, 24 metre patrol vessel which undertakes sea patrols to maximise voluntary compliance with South Australian fishing legislation and create an effective deterrent against illegal activity.

The Southern Ranger crew patrol all South Australian waters from the WA border right around to Victoria, within 200 nautical miles from shore.

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