$9,000 worth of abalone seized from alleged syndicate     

A previous DPI haul

A recent surveillance operation by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers has led to the apprehension of four males for illegally harvesting 1,093 abalone at Baronda Head on the NSW South Coast.

NSW DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully said the alleged offenders, who were apprehended on April 2, were known to Fisheries Officers and are also suspected of organised abalone trafficking.

“This was a significant outcome for our team, with our Statewide Operations and Investigations Group and Far South Coast officers seizing the illegally harvested abalone, 792 of which were of a prohibited size and all of which were shucked,” Mr Tully said.

“The 1,093 shucked abalone weighed in excess of 85kg, meaning they would have a retail value of over $9,000.

“Charges have not been laid yet, but potential offences include: trafficking in fish; possessing more than the possession limit of abalone (aggravated); possessing prohibited size abalone (aggravated); and possessing shucked abalone adjacent to water.”

Mr Tully said if the alleged offenders are found guilty, they could face significant penalties.

“People dealing illegally in abalone, and restaurants and seafood retailers found receiving or selling black market abalone can be prosecuted and fined up to $22,000 for individuals and $220,000 for companies,” he said.

“An additional penalty of up to 10 times the value of the illegal product applies and individuals also face up to 10 years in jail.

“Fisheries officers work closely with NSW Police in dealing with illegal fishing as often there are crossovers to other forms of crime.”


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