Two men to face charges over lobster catch
Tuesday 7th December, 2004

As the result of a tip off by a member of the public to PIRSA Fisheries Officers, one man from Millicent and another man from Adelaide will face court charged with a range of rock lobster related fisheries offences.

Fisheries Officers stopped the two men near Cape Douglas in the South East of the State. The Officers seized one man’s catch of 11 lobsters, 7 of which were undersized and 2 of which had been speared.

They also seized the second man’s catch of 13 lobsters, 12 of which were undersized. In both cases, none of the tail fans of the lobsters had been cut. Fisheries Officers also seized a quantity of snorkelling gear including a spear.

As a result, PIRSA Fishwatch has issued a reminder to all recreational fishers to make themselves aware of the regulations that apply to rock lobster fishing in South Australia.

In the southern zone (the area from the mouth of the River Murray to the Victorian border), the minimum size limit for rock lobster is 9.85 centimetres carapace length, the daily bag limit is four rock lobster per person and all recreationally caught rock lobster must have the middle tail fan cut prior to landing. It is also illegal to catch rock lobster using a pointed instrument.

PIRSA Fishwatch, Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Tatarelli said the regulations have been put in place to ensure the long-term health of the rock lobster stocks.

"All recreational rock lobster fishers, including divers need to be aware of these rules and abide by them," Mr Tatarelli said.

"Those who choose not to can face heavy penalties if convicted by the Courts."

Penalties for these types of offences can include a maximum fine of $2,000 for each charge plus an additional penalty of five times the commercial value of any illegal catch.