Significant penalties have been handed out in South Australian courts in the past week to recreational fishers found guilty of breaking the law.
A man from Victoria pleaded guilty in the Kadina Magistrates Court to selling quantities of Southern Calamari and Southern Garfish caught recreationally to members of the public without an authority to do so.
The man was convicted on all counts and ordered to pay a fine totalling $11,458. The magistrate also made an order that the defendant is prohibited from being in possession of Southern Calamari or Southern Garfish for a period of 12 months.
All fish and fishing equipment used in the commission of the offence was seized and forfeited.
In a separate, unrelated incident, an Oakden man has been fined nearly $4,500 for hindering and using abusive and threatening language towards a fisheries officer. Fisheries officers were undertaking an on-land patrol when they identified a man in possession of three snapper and a wrasse all taken illegally.
The individual pleaded guilty in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court to the offences, and in addition to fines and costs, was prohibited from being in possession of fishing equipment and partaking in any fishing activity for three years.
Members of the public are reminded that if they see anyone breaking the rules, they can report it through the 24-hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522, or via the SA Recreational Fishing App.
For more information about fishing limits in South Australia, visit https://pir.sa.gov.au/fishing-limits.
