Illegal snapper catch nets $10,000 in penalties
Two commercial fishers pleaded guilty at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 5 December 2024 to an illegal catch of more than 20 times the allowable limit for snapper.
The matter arose from an incident on 31 July 2023, when the master in charge of a commercial fishing vessel caught, retained and landed 1,013 kg of snapper. The catch was taken from a Commonwealth-managed fishery in waters adjacent to Victoria, east of Wilson’s Promontory, where a 50 kg trip limit for snapper applies.
Following an investigation by AFMA, both fishers were charged with offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The offences relate to breaches of obligations contained in Part 7, Division 8 (s49) of the Fisheries Management Regulations 2019.
The master of the vessel was released on an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 18 months. He was also ordered to pay court costs along with an amount of $5,000 to a local charitable organisation.
The concession holder of the vessel was also released on an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 18 months. Similarly, he was ordered to pay court costs along with an amount of $5,000 to a local charitable organisation.
In accordance with the Fisheries Management Act 1991, AFMA is required to sustainably manage snapper (Pagrus auratus) within the Australian Fishing Zone. AFMA has jurisdiction for the management of snapper caught in Commonwealth waters adjacent to Victoria under an Offshore Constitutional Settlement between the Commonwealth and the state of Victoria.
In 2011, AFMA introduced a 50 kg trip limit for snapper taken in waters adjacent to Victoria, east of Wilsons Promontory. The limit aims to minimise targeting of the species by all fishing methods and occurred in response to concerns from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries about the levels of snapper catches by Commonwealth-regulated operators.
Quotes attributable to AFMA General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst:
“Australia’s well managed fisheries are subject to strict rules to ensure their long-term sustainability. Operators found in breach of those rules risk facing prosecution and significant penalties.”
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.
For more information:
Media: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860
www.afma.gov.au