Fines for illegal fish sales
Monday 6 February 2006

Two people have been fined for the illegal sale and purchase of fish following their appearance in the Port Lincoln Magistrates Court recently.

Mr Murray Chapman (72) of Moonta Bay was found guilty and convicted of selling fish without an appropriate licence and was fined a total of $3,239.

Mrs Sandra Annette Ortmann (59) of Hazelwood Park was found guilty of purchasing fish from an unlicensed person and was fined a total of $3,075. The Court also confirmed the forfeiture of all fish and a quantity of fishing equipment.

The charges resulted from information supplied to PIRSA Fisheries. As a result, Fisheries Officers intercepted a quantity (41) of blue swimmer crabs, weighing 10.4 kgs, being transported from Moonta, on Yorke Peninsula, to Adelaide.

Further investigations by officers, resulted in the detection of a further six similar transactions between the two accused.

PIRSA Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Tatarelli said it is illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch.

"The impact of illegal fish sales can be substantial," he said.

"Illegal fishers have a considerable impact on fish stocks. Rather than fishing for pleasure, they are fishing for money. They are fishing more often and catching more than their fair share.

"The Fisheries Act has a broad definition of this type of illegal activity which allows for both the seller and buyer to be charged."

Members of the public who have information about suspected illegal fish sales, should contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.