A man has been charged with trafficking in fish after police allegedly uncovered a stash of abalone and scalefish far beyond what the law allows.
Police searched properties in the greater Hobart suburbs of Sandy Bay and West Moonah on Thursday.
They allegedly found blacklip abalone and scalefish well over legal possession limits. Police believe the catch was taken over a long period.
A boat and diving gear allegedly used in the offending were also seized.
A 67-year-old Moonah man was arrested and charged with trafficking in fish. He was granted bail and will appear in court at a later date.
A second man will be dealt with by infringement notice, police said.
Inspector Nikala Parsons said the investigation showed police would keep targeting illegal fishing.
“Recreationally caught seafood cannot be sold, purchased, bartered or traded and recreational fishers must ensure they comply with applicable bag and possession limits and licensing requirements,” she said.
“There are significant consequences for people who choose to engage in illegal fishing activity, including the potential seizure of vessels and equipment associated with the offending.”
In Tasmania, recreational divers need a licence to take abalone. Size, bag and possession limits also apply and possession limits cover fish kept at home.
Inspector Parsons said illegal fishing was unfair on the many fishers who follow the rules.
“Tasmania’s marine resources belong to everyone and illegal fishing undermines the sustainable management of those resources and disadvantages the overwhelming majority of fishers who do the right thing and comply with fisheries laws,” she said.
“Tasmania Police will continue to work with our partner agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Fisheries Tasmania, to identify and target people involved in serious or deliberate fisheries offending.”
