A MAN found in possession of hundreds of abalone and whelks during a NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries compliance operation, has been fined $8000 in court.
The 44 year old man from Melbourne was sentenced in Bega Local Court last month for the offences committed at Merimbula in June 2015.
NSW DPI Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said the man was inspected by Fisheries Officers at Merimbula boat ramp and found to be in possession of 83 shucked abalone and 776 whelks.
“The man faced court and was convicted and fined $4,000 for each offence; $8,000 in total,” Andrews said.
“All fish were seized and the whelks were returned to the water alive.
“The collection of inter-tidal shellfish is a priority area for DPI Fisheries Compliance. Fisheries Officers will continue to monitor and enforce the regulations in this fishery.
The possession limit per person for abalone is two, with a minimum size limit of 11.7cm.
Fishers can also have up to a maximum of twenty whelks which is the name given to various types of sea snails.
All fishers must also make sure they carry a valid recreational fishing fee with them at all times.
Anyone who suspects the illegal taking and sale of shellfish in NSW, or any illegal fishing, should report it to the Fisher’s Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536.
