A POACHER in South East waters has been jailed for abalone trafficking following a joint operation three years ago by Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) with the support of the South Australia Police (SAPOL).
In December 2014, Christopher Phillips, 40, was found carrying 102 (mostly undersized) abalone in his possession near Cape Douglas, well in excess of the daily limit.
A subsequent search of his premises located an additional 108 abalone shells, many of which were undersized.
Appearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court recently, the Mount Gambier man was found guilty of possession and trafficking of a commercial quantity of abalone in additional to other unrelated police matters.
Mr Phillips received a total sentence of 13 months and two weeks imprisonment (of which 10 months and two weeks related directly to these fisheries offences), with a nine month non-parole period.
He was ordered to pay $10,209 plus costs and has been prohibited from engaging in any fishing activity that involves the taking of abalone for 10 years.
An assortment of dive gear and the abalone was forfeited to the Crown.
PIRSA Fisheries director Peter Dietman said trafficking a priority species of fish such as abalone is a serious offence and carries fines of up to $100,000 and four years imprisonment
“Fishers are asked to adhere to bag limits to preserve fish stocks for future generations,” Mr Dietman said.
