THREE men have been nabbed by Victorian Fisheries Officers after falsely claiming they had a legal bag of snapper. A search by the officers allegedly found 47 undersize snapper hidden on board the mens’ boat.
The Fisheries Officers were initially shown six snapper and three King George whiting of legal size and the men allegedly denied having any more fish on board.
A subsequent search found 47 undersize snapper hidden in two plastic bags under the anchor rope in the bow of the vessel.
In total 52 snapper, three King George whiting, six fishing rods and reels, an ice box and anchor with attached chain and rope were seized.
A brief of evidence is being prepared and the men will be summoned onvarious charges relating to exceeding the legal limit and takingundersized fish.
The discovery is the latest in a spate of incidents relating to illegal catches in Victoria.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity in the state is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13-FISH (13 3474).
