Whiting haul seized
Tuesday, 09 September 2003

Two Adelaide men will face court charged with a variety of fisheries related offences as a result of a joint operation involving PIRSA Fisheries Officers and SA Police.

On Friday 15th August 2003, acting on information received from a member of the public, officers attended the Stansbury boat ramp on Yorke Peninsula and spoke to two men retrieving a boat. After a search of the vessel, officers seized a quantity of fish as well as fishing rods, tackle boxes and a quantity of tackle. A further search of the men’s holiday accommodation resulted in the seizure of 278 King George whiting fillets.

As a result, a Christies Beach man (43) and a Huntfield Heights man (37) will face court charged with:

• Taking in one day a total of 83 King George whiting, that amount being 43 above the daily allowable bag limit of 40.
• Taking 22 King George whiting found to be under the legal size limit of 30 cm in length.
• That they had in their possession or control, more than the prescribed quantity of King George whiting, namely 222.

PIRSA Fishwatch Manager Compliance Operations, Helen Croft said concerned members of the public were providing Fisheries Officers with vital information about illegal fishing operations.

“People are no longer going to sit back and let an irresponsible few continue to ignore what are fair and reasonable catch limits.

“I would encourage anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing to call the Fishwatch line. Callers can remain anonymous,” Ms Croft said.

Fishwatch is a 24-hour telephone service for the reporting of suspected illegal fishing activity. The Fishwatch telephone number is 1800 065 522.

Catch Limits – King George whiting
Minimum size limit – 30cms
Daily bag limit – 20
Daily boat limit (three or more fishers onboard) - 60

PIRSA Media Contact: Helen Croft, 0409 419 662.