Five arrested in major abalone bust
Wednesday 25 January 2006

A major joint abalone operation involving PIRSA Fisheries and SAPOL Officers has resulted in the arrest today of five men by Fisheries Officers in the State’s South-East.

The Fisheries/SAPOL operation was aimed at an allegedly well-organised, criminal activity involving the illegal harvest of abalone for personal gain and was the result of extensive investigations.

As part of the operation, Fisheries Officers seized more than 2,000 abalone, 70 to 80 percent of which were undersize, weighing in excess of 250 kilograms and valued at more than $28,000. One vehicle and a quantity of diving equipment, valued at approximately $15,000 has been seized.

Four men aged 26, 29, 31 and 49, all from Mount Gambier and surrounding districts, were arrested when their vehicle was stopped on the side of the road near Millicent. One other male, a 29 year old, also from Mount Gambier, was arrested later in the day.

All five men have been charged with a number of abalone related fishing offences and will appear in Court at a later date.

PIRSA Acting General Manager Fisheries Services, Paul Tatarelli said it will be alleged that this was a well organized, criminal activity aimed at the illegal harvest and sale of abalone for personal gain.

"Penalties for this type of offence can include fines and costs up to $90,000 and or 2 years jail," he said. "These penalties support the seriousness of this type of crime, acknowledging the impact this type of illegal fishing activity can have on the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

"This case has been another example of a successful joint effort by Fisheries and Police to ensure the protection of the State’s valuable fish stocks."

Information from the public was an important part of this investigation. Any person with information about illegal fishing activity should report it to the 24 hour Fishwatch telephone service on 1800 065 522. Callers to this service can remain anonymous.