The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has reinforced its commitment to tracking down and punishing illegal fishers with the conviction of two South Australian fishermen last week.
The two fishers were fined a total of $36 000 for falsifying catch returns to hide shark catch from AFMA and dodge quota limits during the 2012 season. Earlier this year in April 2014, a third fisherman was fined $2000 for his involvement in the scam.
The convictions come on the back of earlier activities last Wednesday 23 July, where officers from AFMA working together with officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA and SA Police conducted searches on properties, vehicles and boats in Streaky Bay, South Australia. The search warrants were issued to further investigations being conducted on a commercial fisherman. This fisherman is suspected of also being involved in falsifying catch returns to evade quota limits. These offences carry maximum fines up to $42 500 per offence for individuals or $212 500 per offence for companies.
AFMA General Manager of Fisheries Operations, Peter Venslovas said that AFMA takes illegal fishing very seriously and joint investigations like this one will continue into the future.
“Illegal fishing activity undermines the integrity of management measures in place to ensure fish stocks are harvested sustainably, the fishing industry remains viable and importantly, that fish resources will be there for future generations,” said Mr Venslovas.
“Protect Australian fisheries by knowing where your fish comes from and report any suspected illegal activity in your area.”
Suspected illegal fishing or black-market fish supply can be reported to 1800 CRIMFISH (1800 274 634) or the National Investigations Taskforce Manager – Garry Hall on 0401593756.
AFMA media enquiries
media@afma.gov.au
0437 869 860