Beachport men fined for using commercial fishing gear
Friday 28th January, 2005

Two men, both from Beachport have each been fined $300 for using commercial fishing gear without an appropriate licence.

The men, Antonio SARTORI (76) and Bevan Carl MILLS (38) appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with using six drop lines to catch shark.

Each of them was fined $300 (plus court costs). Forfeiture of a number of drop lines plus a quantity of other fishing equipment was confirmed. No conviction was recorded.

Fisheries Officers, acting on information provided to them by a member of the public, intercepted the men at Nora Creina, in the State’s South East. A subsequent search of a vehicle uncovered the illegal fishing equipment.

PIRSA Fishwatch, Manager Compliance Operations Paul Tatarelli said this type of offence could have a substantial impact if the use of this type of fishing equipment became widespread.

"Drop lines are an effective way of targeting sharks. Their use by unlicensed fishers has the potential to cause a serious decline in gummy and school shark numbers," Mr Tatarelli said.