Big abalone bust on State’s West Coast
Wednesday 29th June, 2005

Three men have been arrested and charged with a number of abalone related fisheries offences following a joint Fisheries and Ceduna SAPOL operation on the State’s Far West coast.

The men, an 18 year old from Croydon, a 34 year old from Findon and a 55 year old from Coorabie west of Ceduna were charged as part of an ongoing investigation into organised illegal abalone trade.

Officers seized nearly 2,000 abalone, weighing 270 kilograms, together with a vehicle, a vessel, a quantity of diving gear and camping equipment.

A number of search warrants for premises in Adelaide and on the west coast have been executed.

Director of Fisheries Will Zacharin said penalties for this type of offence can include fines of up to $60,000 and 2 years jail. An additional penalty of 5 times the commercial value of the catch can also apply.

"This has been an excellent example of the effectiveness of joint operations between Fisheries and SAPOL aimed at addressing this type of organised illegal activity," Mr Zacharin said.

"Penalties for fish theft support the seriousness of this type of crime, acknowledging the impact this type of high level illegal fishing activity can have on the long-term sustainability of fish stocks."

The men are expected to face Court at a later date.

Any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported to the 24 hour Fishwatch telephone service (1800 065 522). All information provided via this number will be kept strictly confidential.