Illegal rock lobster pot haul
Monday, 28 April 2003

Thirty four (34) rock lobster pots have been removed from the waters of the State’s southeast and confiscated by PIRSA Fisheries Officers.

The illegal haul resulted from a routine patrol of the area undertaken by officers aboard the Fisheries Patrol Vessel Tucana.

The officers reported that the majority of pots were removed because they did not have the necessary registration tag attached. Although unregistered, all of the pots were freshly baited so were being actively worked.

PIRSA Fishwatch, Manager Compliance Operations, Helen Croft said, fishers need to be aware that patrols like this can and will be carried out at anytime of the year.

“Although the southern zone rock lobster season is coming to an end, fishers who fish illegally or fail to register their pots run the risk of having the pots confiscated,” she said.

“Where we can identify the owners of the pots, further action against those owners will be taken.”

The southern zone rock lobster season closes at 6 pm on Wednesday 30 April 2003. All pots should be removed from the water prior to this closure coming into effect.

"If there are any circumstances that will result in pots being in the water after these dates, fishers should contact the Duty Officer via the 24 hour Fishwatch telephone service on 1800 065 522.

“This should be done prior to the end of the season,” Ms Croft said.