TWO men in Queensland have been convicted and fined $32,000 for crabbing offences.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol field officer James Hohenhaus said the hefty fines showed crabbing offences would not be tolerated.
“The men were convicted in the Cleveland Magistrates Court and fined $16,000 each for taking and possessing 24 female mud crabs, three undersized blue swimmer crabs and three undersized mud crabs,” Mr Hohenhaus said.
“They were also charged for using seven unmarked sunken pots, failing to stop and obstructing officers.
“Both men were aware of the restrictions surrounding the taking of crabs, and had intended selling the crabs on the black market.”
Mr Hohenhaus said black marketing of seafood was a problem throughout Queensland.
“Black marketing impacts on the competitiveness of legitimate seafood processors and marketers, and also places additional pressure on the sustainability of fish species,” he said.
“We have fishing rules in Queensland so that we can all share our fisheries resources and protect them for future generations.
“It is critical that the public reports any suspected illegal fishing activities, including black marketing, to the Fishwatch hotline 1800 017 116 so that it can be investigated.
“People can assist investigations by providing specific details of the alleged offences every time they are observed including:
· time
· exact location
· activities being undertaken
· boat description and registration or marking where possible
· vehicle description or registration
· description or details of the person.
“Do not engage the person, however, as this can compromise an investigation.”
For more information on Queensland’s fishing rules, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.
