A GROUP of recreational fishers have been fined over $5000 for trying to poach abalone with a potential commercial value of $1500 off the South East coast.
Detected by Fisheries Officers as they were leaving the water at Cape Northumberland near Port MacDonnell, the group had an alleged 53 black lip abalone in their possession of which 48 were under the legal limit of 13cm.
It is also alleged they took the abalone from the intertidal zone.
Offences included taking undersized abalone, failing to carry a measuring device when fishing for abalone and failing to replace undersized abalone and mutilating the abalone at sea.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone reminded fishers it was important to know the rules before heading out on the water.
“Abalone is a priority species in South Australia and as such, any breaches of the rules involving this species is taken seriously by the State Government,” Mr Whetstone said.
“It is illegal to take any living organism from the intertidal zone, which is an area of reef between the high water mark and water to a depth of two metres.
“If people want to catch abalone, rock lobster, periwinkles or any other benthic marine organism they must be taking them from waters deeper than two metres.”
To report an offence contact Fishwatch on 1800 065 522 or for more information on fishing rules visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing or download the recreational fishing app.
