Illegal rock lobster sellers feel the pinch
Wednesday 29 January 2025 Fishing and aquaculture
Three people have been convicted and ordered to pay fines totalling more than $11,000 for selling and trading recreationally caught Southern Rock Lobster in South Australia.
A 36-year-old man from Denial Bay pleaded guilty in the Ceduna Magistrates Court last month to seven charges involving selling, attempting to sell and trading recreationally caught rock lobster. The man was convicted and ordered to pay $6,885 in fines.
A 28-year-old woman from Denial Bay was found guilty of a single charge of selling recreationally caught rock lobster, convicted and ordered to pay fines totalling $1,925.
Late last year, a 24-year-old man from Southend pleaded guilty to a charge of trading at least 15 recreationally caught rock lobster for rent and another charge of selling recreationally caught rock lobster. He was convicted and fined $3,070.
In South Australia, selling or purchasing recreationally caught fish, including trading or bartering for goods and services, is considered a serious offence under the Fisheries Management Act 2007.
Due to their high value, rock lobster is considered a priority species and anyone caught selling or purchasing them illegally faces a maximum penalty of up to $50,000 in fines and in the most serious of instances, jail terms of up to four years.
Acting Director of Operations Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Department for Primary Industries and Regions, Matt Read, said it’s crucial the public are aware of the rules, as they are in place to protect the sustainability of the species.
“Southern Rock Lobster is hugely important to the people of South Australia, it’s a highly sought after recreational species in addition to being the state’s largest commercial wild catch fishery by value, worth over $85 million,” he said.
“These rules have been put in place to protect this valuable resource.”
“It’s crucial that the public adhere to the rules to ensure the sustainability of South Australia’s rock lobster fishery so there are plenty for future generations to enjoy.”
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.