Police from Marine and Rescue Services have charged two men with fisheries-related offences following a targeted investigation into the alleged trafficking of fish in southern Tasmanian waters.
As part of the investigation, police executed a series of search warrants in Sandy Bay and West Moonah on 5 November and located quantities of blacklip abalone and scalefish significantly exceeding lawful possession limits that are believed to have been caught over an extended period of time.
A vessel and diving equipment allegedly used in connection with the offending were also seized.
A 67-year-old man from Moonah was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Fish. He was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
A second man will be proceeded against by infringement notice.
Inspector of Marine and Rescue Services, Nikala Parsons, said the investigation demonstrated that illegal fishing activity would continue to be actively targeted.
"Recreationally caught seafood cannot be sold, purchased, bartered or traded, and recreational fishers must ensure they comply with applicable bag and possession limits and licensing requirements," Inspector Parsons said.
"There are significant consequences for people who choose to engage in illegal fishing activity, including the potential seizure of vessels and equipment associated with the offending.
"Tasmania's marine resources belong to everyone, and illegal fishing undermines the sustainable management of those resources and disadvantages the overwhelming majority of fishers who do the right thing and comply with fisheries laws.
"Tasmania Police will continue to work with our partner agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Fisheries Tasmania, to identify and target people involved in serious or deliberate fisheries offending."
Anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing activity is encouraged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or report via Crime Stoppers Tasmania at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
