Three men allegedly took 80 abalone and a rock lobster during a prolonged fishing venture at Sorrento back beach this week.
The daily recreational limit for abalone is five per person, when the season is open.
However the recreational abalone season is closed at present.
A call from a concerned member of the public to the 13FISH reporting line alerted Mornington Fisheries Officers who watched for several hours as two of the men allegedly dived in a bay for abalone and used a kayak to transport the fish to a third man on the beach.
Fisheries Officers later intercepted a vehicle and uncovered 80 large abalone and a female rock lobster in berry (with eggs).
The taking of female rock lobster in berry is prohibited and the season for female rock lobster is also closed.
A 32 year old Point Cook man, a 32 year old Tarneit man and a 58 year old international visitor were interviewed by Fisheries Officers.
All their diving equipment, including the kayak, were seized.
Two of the men will be charged on summons for a number of alleged offences including:
- taking more than twice the catch limit for abalone;
- taking abalone in the closed season;
- taking rock lobster in closed season; and
- taking rock lobster in berry.
Fisheries Officer Heath Cameron said this was another good example of public support and vigilance to assist in protecting Victoria’s marine fisheries resources.
“Anyone who sees suspicious fishing activity is encouraged to call 13FISH on 133 474, anytime.”
For more information about fishing rules and regulations visit our website www.vic.gov.au/fisheries or call 131 186.
