THE issue of Victorian charter boats allegedly operating illegally off the coast of Port MacDonnell is fuelling bitter tensions between operators.
It is understood the issue has reached flashpoint with unconfirmed reports of “clashes” between operators.
Limestone Coast Police says it is “aware” of the issue and would “continue” to monitor the Port MacDonnell boat ramp and harbour area.
The State Government also yesterday confirmed the department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has received reports of “alleged unlicensed” charter fishing operations.
These allegations are now under investigation.
The issue was also raised at a Grant District Council meeting this week.
According to sources within the industry, charter boats from Portland and Melbourne have been operating in South East waters without a South Australian charter boat licence.
These interstate charter boats are chasing the region’s tuna stocks, which is a major drawcard for interstate operators.
Industry sources – who did not wish to be named – have claimed the issue has led to “death threats” and was impacting on Limestone Coast charter operators.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone yesterday warned any charter business operating illegally in South Australia would face the full brunt of the law.
“Commercial fishing charter operators in South Australia must hold a licence and anyone caught fishing in South Australia unlicensed could face a maximum penalty of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for up to four years,” Mr Whetstone.
“A Fisheries and Aquaculture has received reports of alleged unlicensed Charter fishing operations, which are being investigated.
“I urge anyone who sees anything inappropriate or has any information to call Fishwatch on 1800 065 522. Reports can also be made via the SA Recreational Fishing Guide app.”
Surveyed Charter Boat Owners and Operators Association of SA president Gary Lloyd said it was illegal to operate a charter boat in South Australia without a licence.
“I do not blame the local charter operators at all for being upset,” Mr Lloyd told The Border Watch.
The industry leader said he was not surprised it was fuelling animosity.
He said South Australian charter operators paid more than $4700 per year to operate in the state waters.
Mr Lloyd said this was a matter that should be “jumped on” by the state’s fisheries department.
An industry source – who did not want to be named – said charter boats were coming across the border and operating off the coast of Port MacDonnell.
He said these charter boats were operating diving operations, including spear fishing which meant there were restrictions for other charter boats.
The insider said this was fuelling significant “tensions” with some “clashes”.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge senior sergeant Chris King said police were aware of the issue, but there had been no formal reports made to police.
“Police have not responded to any incidents,” Sn St King said.
But he said the police would continue to monitor the Port MacDonnell boat ramp and harbour area.
At a Grant District Council meeting, elected members were made aware of the issue.
Details emerged a charter boat from Portland allegedly was catching “huge amounts of fish” and the operator was confronted by a local charter operator.
These allegations also included the interstate operators “diving and spear-fishing the large tuna.”
“Once the buoys go over, no boat can go within 500 metres.”
Mayor Richard Sage said if you paid for a charter for the day and could not go anywhere near the school of fish “you would be pretty upset.”
“I think there is more to happen with that issue,” Mr Sage said.
The Border Watch contacted a number of Port MacDonnell charter fishing operators for comment.
