Rock lobster fisher fined over quota evasion
Friday 25 August, 2006

A commercial rock lobster fisher from the State’s Limestone Coast was convicted of quota evasion offences in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court today.

Trevor Leslie Sneath, 46, from Port MacDonnell was found to have landed more rock lobster than was declared on his catch and disposal record on 13 January 2005.

During an inspection, Fisheries Officers weighed Mr Sneath’s catch and found it to be 51.15 kg heavier and two bins less than declared on the catch and disposal records. As a result, Mr Sneath was charged with providing false and misleading information and failing to comply with a licence condition.

Mr Sneath was found guilty and fined $4000 plus $1500 in prosecution costs and $140 in court fees. Mr Sneath was also given a two month suspension from fishing pursuant to his licence, the suspension is to commence on the 1 October 2006. Forfeiture of the 51.15 kg of rock lobster was also confirmed.

Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Tatarelli, said the southern zone commercial rock lobster fishery is managed under a total allowable catch quota system and all commercial catch must be reported.

"Strict adherence to the catch quota reporting process by all commercial fishers is an integral part of the on-going sustainable management of the rock lobster fishery now and into the future," he said.

"Fishers who try to exceed their allowable catch are putting the fishery at risk for all users. Any attempt to circumvent the quota system is considered a serious offence under the Fisheries Act and will be pursued vigorously through the courts by compliance officers"

"Fisheries Officers can check a commercial fishers catch at any time commencing from when the lobsters are caught until they are consigned to a fish processor."