TWO recreational fishermen have been convicted of charges relating to illegal rock lobster fishing near Port MacDonnell.
In December 2016, Primary Industries and Regions SA fisheries officers discovered two men had used rock lobster pots not registered in their name and concealed excess rock lobster catches in a hessian sack at sea, allegedly to be retrieved at a later date.
Glenn Bromley appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court pleading guilty to three charges of taking fish using a rock lobster pot not registered in the user’s name, exceeding the daily limit of rock lobster and storing rock lobster in a corf.
He was fined $1500 and ordered to pay an additional penalty of $1220.
All fishing gear, including rock lobster pots seized at the time of the offence, were forfeited to the Crown.
Justin Nicholas Bromley appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court pleading guilty to three charges of taking undersize fish, exceeding the daily limit of rock lobster and storing rock lobster in a corf.
He was fined $820 and also ordered to pay an additional penalty of $1220.
Both men have been prohibited from engaging in any form of rock lobster fishing or having possession of drop nets and rock lobster pots for the next 12 months.
PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture Limestone Coast regional manager Barry Tarr said the convictions served as a reminder the state’s fishing rules and regulations are enforced.
“South Australia is one of the few states that allows recreational fishers to operate rock lobster pots and fishers are reminded to abide by the rules, especially as we approach the opening of the 2017/18 rock lobster season,” he said.
“Significant penalties apply if you are caught doing the wrong thing.
“Regulations are put in place not only to ensure equity among all fishers, but also to ensure stock sustainability.”
Illegal or suspicious fishing activity can be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch number on 1800 065 522.
Callers can speak to a fisheries officer and may choose to remain anonymous.
