Two men have been convicted and fined in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for the illegal take of abalone at Port Hughes on the Yorke Peninsula in 2022.
The men were apprehended when PIRSA Fisheries Officers inspected their jet ski after returning to shore. The legal limit of 10 Greenlip abalone were found in an esky but further inspection led to the discovery of a further 18 abalone meats concealed in a hidden and locked storage area in the front of the jet ski.
Convictions were recorded against both men who received individual fines and penalties in excess of $3,000. All the abalone, diving equipment and the esky were forfeited to the Crown with both men also receiving 12 month bans from abalone fishing activity.
The daily recreational fishing bag limit of abalone is five per person. Heavy penalties apply for offences involving the trafficking and possession of a commercial quantity of abalone, including fines of up to $100,000 and four years imprisonment.
Fishers are reminded to be aware of fishing related rules before they go fishing, including species they are likely to catch and whether an intended fishing location is subject to any closures or restrictions.
Illegal or suspicious fishing activity can be reported via the Recreational Fishing Smartphone App or by calling the 24 hour Fishwatch number, 1800 065 522. Callers can speak to a Fisheries Officer and remain anonymous.