On the spot fines for Victorian lobster fishers
Thursday 10 November 2005

PIRSA Fisheries has reminded all fishers of the size and bag limits put in place to protect the State’s valuable rock lobster fishery.

The reminder follows the issuing of expiation notices to five Victorian men who had been fishing on the Port MacDonnell Breakwater.

Local Fisheries Officers attended the Breakwater in response to a call from a member of the general public to the Fishwatch 1800 number.

As a result, each of the five in the group was issued with expiation notices totaling $430. The notices were for failing to remove the middle tail fan of a rock lobster, taking undersized fish and taking over the bag limit of fish. The rock lobsters and a quantity of fishing gear were confiscated.

Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Tatarelli reminded all fishers that they need to be aware of the rules that apply to recreational fishing.

"In this particular case, the Breakwater has signage in place clearly setting out the rules that apply to rock lobster fishing," Mr Tararelli said.

"Fishers risk heavy fines if they ignore these rules.

"I would also like to encourage members of the public to continue to report any suspected illegal activity to the Fishwatch number 1800 065 522."