Rock lobster fisher fined
Thursday 31 May, 2007

A Mount Gambier man yesterday pleaded guilty in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to catching berried rock lobster.

Peter Jeffery Dwyer (27), registered master on Southern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery commercial licence S054, pleaded guilty to taking 13 female rock lobster carrying external eggs.

Female rock lobster carrying eggs are fully protected in South Australian waters.

Fisheries Officers discovered the berried females during a check of Mr Dwyer’s catch at Black Fellow’s Cave, in the State’s south east back in October 2005.

Mr Dwyer was fined $800 with an additional penalty of $1,289.25 plus Court costs of $700.

PIRSA Manager Compliance Services, Mr Paul Tatarelli said it was totally unacceptable to see a commercial fisher with Mr Dwyer’s level of knowledge and experience, breaking such a basic rule.

"There is just no excuse," Mr Tatarelli said.

"Fisheries Officers regularly check commercial fishers catch both at the point of landing and at fish processors premises to ensure that all fisheries management regulations are adhered to."

Anyone witnessing this or any other type of illegal activity should report it to Fisheries Officers via the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.