Low tide sees Flinders abalone offences

[fishingvic]

Low tide sees Flinders abalone offences
Three Melbourne men allegedly took advantage of super-low tides to steal abalone in the Flinders area last week.

On Thursday, two men were apprehended and will be charged with taking 161 abalone from The Blowhole area. Nearly all of the abalone seized were undersized.

Acting Regional Supervising Fisheries Officer, Mark Asplin said a 44 year-old man from Box Hill and a 43 year-old man from Boronia were allegedly in possession of the abalone and other shellfish as they left the carpark.

“Super-low tides associated with the super-full moon phase exposed vulnerable shellfish stocks which allowed opportunistic harvesting of several species of shellfish, including abalone, from the protected intertidal zone,” Mr Asplin said.

“Their alleged actions showed a blatant disregard for our fisheries resources with undersized abalone down to 3.5cm (size limit is 11 cm) and even an undersized Sweep found in the boot of the car.”

“Fortunately the abalone were still alive and were returned to the water. All of their fishing equipment was seized.”

Mr Asplin said Fisheries Officers will remain vigilant during the periods when the intertidal zone is at its most vulnerable.

The following night, Fisheries Officers attempted to intercept a late model BMW after the occupants were allegedly seen returning from the beach and acting suspiciously before loading a bag into the rear of their vehicle.

Mr Asplin said despite officers activating lights and sirens the vehicle sped off and could not be inspected.

Fisheries Officers caught up with the driver on Sunday morning.

The car was seized and it is expected the 36-year-old man from Vermont will be charged on summons with taking abalone in the closed season, taking undersized abalone, exceeding the catch limit for abalone and obstructing officers, an offence that carries a maximum penalty over $18,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Mr Asplin said it will be alleged the man was also targeting abalone because of the super-low tide.

If you see or suspect illegal fishing activity please call 13-FISH (133474) anytime. In circumstances where officers can't respond to a call, the information provided is valuable and helps plan future patrols.

[Nude up]

Great to see our licence money at work. 3.5 cm you have to be kidding thats tiny

[Lightningx]

Glad to hear that they got caught. Especially if they were taking such small ones!

[poodoo]

Good work fisheries

[Luluberlu]

Why some peoples do not give a damn for the law??...

[4liters]

Why some peoples do not give a damn for the law??...

Mostly because they think they'll get away with it. Biggest fines on earth or jail won't stop anyone if they don't think they'll get caught.

[matt1991]

Great result! This makes me so angry!!! People have no respect for our waters!