12 Dec 2018
Four males have been apprehended in possession of 867 abalone in Tathra on the NSW South Coast.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully, said the four offenders were found with the abalone in their vehicle in November, following an extensive surveillance operation along a remote stretch of coastline in the Bournda National Park, South of Tathra.
"DPI Fisheries Officers and Bega Police intercepted the suspected illegal fishers, seizing the abalone and four sets of dive gear which were also found in the vehicle," Mr Tully said.
"Charges have not been laid yet, but potential offences include: trafficking in fish; possessing more than the possession limit of abalone (aggravated); possessing prohibited size abalone (aggravated); and possessing shucked abalone adjacent to water.
"Abalone is not only listed as a priority species but an indictable species. The maximum penalty for a person who trafficks in an indictable species of fish is 10 years imprisonment and monetary penalties up to 10 times the commercial value of the abalone.
"There are also maximum penalties of $44,000 for possession of fish in circumstances of aggravation and penalties of $5,500 per person for illegally shucking abalone."
"In the lead up to summer, fishers should not be complacent about fish bag and size limits as DPI Fisheries Officers are always on the lookout for unlawful activity."
Greg Vakaci, Acting Director of NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety said illegally harvested abalone can pose a serious health risk to consumers and should not be trusted.
"There are strict food safety controls in place for harvesting and selling seafood for consumption. These controls ensure that consumers get the best quality and safest possible seafood on their plates," Mr Vakaci said.
"Some seafood such as shellfish require extra care to ensure that is safe to eat. Poor food safety practices during harvesting, transport, processing and sale can result in an increase in microbiological contamination.
"We recommend people only buy shellfish from reputable retailers as their product has been monitored for safety."
"We want all consumers to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season."
Greg Finn from the Abalone Association of NSW said, "Illegal abalone fishing and sales can threaten legitimate industries and have a damaging effect on the sustainability of the abalone stocks."
"Anyone with information on suspected illegal fishing activity is urged to contact their local DPI fisheries office, call the Fisher Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or report illegal fishing activities online."
