Illegal netters caught
Tuesday 15 August, 2006

Two men, both aged in their mid 40’s from Cowell, will be charged with various fisheries offences following a late night investigation by local Fisheries Officers.

Responding to a call from a member of the public to the Fishwatch telephone service, PIRSA Fisheries Officers travelled to Shelly Beach, near Cowell on Eyre Peninsula at around 9pm on 10 August where they observed a vessel returning to shore.

With assistance from local SAPOL Officers, Fisheries Officers interviewed the two men. A search of the vessel revealed around 8 times the daily bag limit of yellowfin whiting as well as an assortment of garfish, mullet and salmon, most of these were still meshed in a monofilament net on the boat and many were undersize.

As a result, the fish, boat, boat trailer and net were all seized and the men charged. Additional charges will also be laid against the owner of the boat resulting from a number of breaches of the Harbors and Navigation Act, as the vessel had no safety gear or navigation lights.

PIRSA Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Tatarelli said he encourages the local community to be vigilant and report this or any other type of illegal fishing activity to the 24 hour Fishwatch telephone service on 1800 065 522.

“This type of information is invaluable and can lead to successful outcomes as was the case in this instance.

“The Fishwatch telephone service enables anyone in the community to take decisive action against illegal fishing activity. Wherever possible, Fisheries Officers will continue to respond to specific information from the public,” Mr Tatarelli said.