An AFMA Fisheries Officer checks a load of shark
‘Quota Evasion’, ‘Skimming’ and ‘Misreporting’ are just some of the terms used to describe the illegal take and sale of fish, but when it comes down to it, it’s really just stealing. Stealing is a crime.
People involved in quota evasion are really just stealing from the Australian community and other members of the industry, and threaten the future viability of fisheries. It isn’t a victimless offence; it undermines the conservation of fish stocks and the livelihood of those operators doing the right thing. It also distorts competition by depressing fish prices. In short, it threatens the public good for the benefit of a few.
As part of the 2013-14 National Compliance Program, AFMA is increasing its focus on Quota Evasion. The 2013-14 programs will be multi-faceted, focusing on the various methods used by operators to deliberately avoid the quota system. These programs will focus not only on fisherman and concession holders, but on any other parties involved in the theft, from fish receivers to restaurants.
The programs will focus both on making stealing harder to achieve, and catching those people who are. AFMA will also deliver education programs to ensure operators who want to do the right thing know exactly what they need to do to comply with the rules. As well as a dedicated taskforce aiming at catching and prosecuting serious offenders, we have a number of teams working on eliminating the opportunities, and increasingly sophisticated means of detection.
The General Manager of Fisheries Operations, Peter Venslovas said that AFMA would be coming down hard on these criminals. “If you’re one of the people stealing fish, then you have been given fair warning. If you continue to steal then you will be caught”.
‘We’ll be using every tool at our disposal from Vessel Monitoring Systems and statistical analysis right through to CCTV and undercover surveillance to catch those responsible” he said.
For more information, contact Glen Salmon, Manager National Compliance Operations Unit on 6225 5395 or glen.salmon@afma.gov.au.