10/01/03: Serious Illegal Rock Lobster and Abalone Seizures by Fisheries

Compliance patrols by the Department of Fisheries have led to the seizure of boats and equipment after separate hauls involving illegally taken rock lobster and abalone were discovered by Fisheries Offices.

The boat seizures were the first in the metropolitan area, and indicated the seriousness of the offences, a Department spokesperson said.

Police were called in to assist with one of the search and seizures.

Statement of Facts:

In one offence it is alleged:

- Two men from Spearwood were apprehended after they pulled 28 rock lobster pots that belonged to other recreational fisherman. :

- The men were observed by Fisheries Officers in a boat pulling pots at the back of Garden Island.

- The two men were also found to be in possession of 17 undersize Rock Lobster a week prior to this offence.

- The boat used by the men was seized by Fisheries Officers.

In a second offence it is alleged:

- Three men failed to stop at a Roadside Checkpoint located at Cape Peron in Rockingham.

- The offenders were apprehended and found to be in possession of 58 speared Rock Lobster. It is illegal to spear rock lobster in Western Australia.

- 57 of the Rock Lobster were undersize.

- The men were also found to be in possession of 287 shucked Roe's Abalone.

- The season for Roe's Abalone closed on the 8th of December 2002.

- The men were earlier observed diving from a boat in the waters around the islands in the Shoalwater Marine Park.

- The boat and equipment used by the offenders to take the Abalone and Rock Lobster were seized.

MAXIMUM FINES for CHARGES

· Unlawful Interference with fishing gear: $5000 and 6 months imprisonment
· Possession of Undersize Rock Lobster: $5000 and $150 per rock lobster
· Spearing Rock Lobster: $5000 and $150 per lobster
· Failure to stop - obstruction $10,000 and 1 year imprisonment
· Possession of abalone over bag limit: $5000 and $30 per abalone (or $800 per KG)
· Fine for no license: $2000
· Fine for out of season: $5000 and $30 per abalone

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Greg Finlay Ph: (08) 9426 7393

Jenny Hodder Senior Public Relations CoordinatorPh: 9482 7235 (Mob): 0418 901 767