Abalone fisher issued hefty fine for illegal take
Tuesday 6 May 2025 Fishing and aquaculture
A Melbourne man has been convicted and ordered to pay fines and costs of more than $3,000 for possessing a commercial quantity of Blacklip Abalone in the state’s South East.
The 55-year-old pleaded guilty in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last month to the charge of possessing a commercial quantity of Blacklip Abalone.
Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) detected the offending at Beachport on 19 October 2024, with the man taking a total of 46 Blacklip Abalone, 41 of which were hidden in rocks near the shoreline.
The penalty includes a prohibition on being in possession of abalone in South Australia for a period of five years.
Acting Director of Operations Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Department for Primary Industries and Regions, Matt Read, said the outcome of this court case serves as a timely reminder to the public.
“This sort of offending will not go undetected. Fisheries Officers patrol our coastal waters constantly ensuring compliance and awareness of fisheries regulations,” he said.
“It is vital that offending such as this is met with appropriate penalties and deterrents to help protect South Australia’s aquatic resources,” he said.
“The catch limits on abalone are in place to ensure the sustainability of the species in South Australian waters.”
In South Australia, abalone is identified as a high value, priority species under the Fisheries Management Act 2007, with a maximum daily bag limit of 5 per person, and a combined boat limit of 10.
There is a minimum size limit for all abalone species in the Central and Southern Zone of 13 centimetres, and 14.5 centimetres for Greenlip Abalone in the Western Zone.
Whilst it was not in place at the time of this offending, the community is reminded that the Southern Zone Abalone Fishery is currently closed due to the impacts of the Abalone Viral Ganglioneouritis (AVG).
Recreational fishers can check bag, boat and daily limits at: pir.sa.gov.au/recreational_fishing.
Illegal or suspicious fishing activity can be reported via the Recreational Fishing smartphone app or by calling the 24-hour Fishwatch number on 1800 065 522. Callers can speak to a Fisheries Officer and may choose to remain anonymous.