Victorian man fined
Wednesday 24 September, 2008

A Victorian man has pleaded guilty in the Adelaide Magistrates Court recently to a number of fishing offences involving rock lobster.

Bruce Donald McIntosh, 56, of Horsham, Victoria pleaded guilty to taking over the bag limit of rock lobster, failing to comply with a direction given to him by a fisheries officer and hindering fisheries officers.

When stopped by fisheries officers in January 2007, Mr McIntosh was found to have 15 rock lobsters in his possession. The daily bag limit is four.

As a result Magistrate Smart SM, imposed a fine of $6,322.50, a prosecution fee of $800 plus the victim of crimes levy. A number of seized items, including the rock lobster, were forfeited.

In response to this case, PIRSA Fisheries, Manager Compliance Services, Mr Paul Tatarelli said Mr McIntosh was caught doing the wrong thing.

"To then further compound the issue by hindering Fisheries Officers undertaking their lawful duty is unnecessary," Mr Tatarelli said.

"Fisheries Officers have an important duty to perform and hindering a Fisheries Officer in performing their duties can have serious consequences."

Media Contact: Gary Darter, Acting Manager Compliance Operations, PIRSA Fisheries, Ph: 0408 805 477.