Australia: Three young men are facing a raft of charges after allegedly being found in possession of 185 shucked abalone on the New South Wales (NSW) south coast.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries compliance director Glenn Tritton said the offenders, all aged between 18 and 22, were apprehended by DPI Fisheries Officers in Kiama on November 9. They were found to have 185 shucked abalone in their possession.
The men will be charged with: possessing more than maximum quantity for fish (in circumstances of aggravation), which carries a maximum fine AU$44,000 (US$42,600) and/or 12 months imprisonment for a first offence; possession of fish taken contrary to fishing closure, which carries a maximum penalty AU$22,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for a first offence; and possession of shucked abalone which carries a maximum penalty AU$5,500. They will also be charged with failing to pay the recreational fishing fee which carries a maximum penalty of AU$2200.
The possession limit for abalone is two per person. However, all waters between Port Stephens and Botany Bay are closed to the taking of abalone by anyone and limited abalone fishing is allowed between Botany Bay and Wreck Bay on weekends and adjacent NSW public holidays.
"Abalone is now listed as a priority and indictable species under the Fisheries Management Act," said Tritton. "Persons found guilty of trafficking abalone face up to 10 years imprisonment. Repeat offenders can also face fines of up to $88,000 and corporations $440,000 per offence. Courts now also have the option to impose additional monetary penalties of up to ten times the market value of the abalone.
"This sends a clear message to would-be abalone thieves that we will not tolerate fisheries theft and repeat offenders should be aware that if you are caught stealing abalone the punishment will be severe."