Fisher Reported Inside Rock Lobster Sanctuary
Monday, 9th April 2001

A 51 year old man from Warooka on Yorke Peninsula has been charged with a number of fisheries offences including setting rock lobster pots within a rock lobster sanctuary.

Responding to information received through the FISHWATCH telephone number, Fisheries Compliance Officers from the central region apprehended the man on Thursday 5 April as he retrieved pots set within the Gleesons Landing rock lobster sanctuary.

Acting General Manager Fisheries Services Brian Hemming said the rock lobster fishery is a highly valued commercial and recreational species in South Australia.

"Closed areas like this one are an important part of the management strategy for this fishery. They provide important refuge areas where rock lobsters live for many years. In these areas, rock lobster can grow to their full potential and are able to reproduce without threat of capture. Illegal fishing in these areas has the potential to impact on the future health of the resource" Mr Hemming said.

The man will be required to appear in court at a later date.

FISHWATCH is a toll free telephone number for the reporting of illegal fishing activity. The FISHWATCH number is 1800 065 522.