FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

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FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by fishingvic » Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:02 am

Media release
Thursday 11 January, 2018

FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

https://www.facebook.com/VictorianFisheries/videos/1882579201812581/

A fish and chip shop owner in south western Victoria and two associates were arrested yesterday for
allegedly laundering recreationally caught fish through his shop and dealing in the proceeds of crime.
Victorian Fisheries Authority acting Director of Education and Enforcement, Brooke Hall, said the shop
owner’s seven and a half metre boat, valued at $150,000, was seized by Fisheries Officers and
investigators, along with a truck.
“Also seized were several boxes of frozen fish fillets, estimated to weigh 60kg, and fishing gear
including 23 fishing rods, two with electric reels, all worth in excess of $10,000,” Mr Hall said.
“Fishmongers and fish and chip shops must only sell seafood that has been purchased from licensed
commercial fishers and cannot sell fish caught by recreational anglers, including themselves.
“The extensive investigation, code-named Operation Torpedo, conducted surveillance on several
occasions on the three men whilst they were fishing along the southwest Victorian coast.
“It will be alleged that fish caught on each trip, including gummy shark and school shark (commonly
sold as flake), mako shark, flathead, snapper, morwong, leatherjacket and gurnard, were taken back
to the shop, processed, then laundered and sold as legitimately sourced seafood.
“The sale of recreationally caught fish undermines the legitimate commercial fishing industry and has
the potential to threaten the sustainability of Victoria’s fisheries resource.
“Recreationally caught fish are not subject to any of the food safety measures required under the Food
Standards Code.
“The sale of illegally sourced fish places the health of purchasers at risk, and the reputation of retail
businesses.”
Mr Hall said fisheries and food safety legislation required fish retailers and wholesalers to only buy
seafood from legitimate commercial sources and to keep records of the purchase transaction,
including the name and address of the provider.
“Fisheries Officers and investigators will continue to detect, disrupt and dismantle organised illegal
fishing activity as a priority.
“We are dedicated to exploring all avenues to bring offenders to justice and protect Victoria's fisheries
resources for sustainable and legitimate utilisation.”
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13FISH
(133474), anytime.
Media contact: Melanie Curtis – 0402 001 853

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by Mattblack » Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:20 am

That would hurt....if I was a poacher, I'd need to sell the fish at $600 a kilo just to cover costs.

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by smile0784 » Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:38 am

Glad they got caught.
We should allnplay by the rules

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by Paul Foot » Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:45 am

Good to see them busted big time, it's just stealing from commercial fishermen.

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by Bayrock » Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:24 am

Boom! Feel the burn
Although in this day & age of disadvantaged families and wastage I would like to see those in need having access to some of the catches that end up in the bin.. big bluefin and swords come to mind.
Now there’s an idea for someone

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by Lightningx » Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:32 am

Good to hear :thumbsup:

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by hornet » Thu Jan 11, 2018 12:27 pm

"dealing in the proceeds of crime."

""Director of Education and Enforcement, Brooke Hall, said the shop
owner’s seven and a half metre boat, valued at $150,000, was seized by Fisheries Officers and
investigators, along with a truck.
“Also seized were several boxes of frozen fish fillets, estimated to weigh 60kg, and fishing gear
including 23 fishing rods, two with electric reels, all worth in excess of $10,000,” Mr Hall said.""


Proceeds of crime would also be his fish shop, how long has he been doing it ? did he pay off his shop with the proceeds ?
this is a large scale operation so everything should be confiscated in association with the crime.
His fish shop as well, and jail time.
He who has the most fishing rods WINS ! :ts:

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by Hectic habbib » Thu Jan 11, 2018 1:22 pm

i herd that a guy in portarlington ( geelong area ) was catching squid and he was hiding them in his clothes, well cut long story short he had about 30 squid and him and fisheries caught the guy, thought some people might be interested

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by dazz999 » Thu Jan 11, 2018 5:05 pm

confiscate the lot

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Re: FISH AND CHIPPERY NETTED FOR ILLEGALLY SELLING CATCH

Post by Barwon Baron » Thu Jan 11, 2018 6:22 pm

I hope the Tax office has been informed also.
I bet the shop never declared the income from the illegally sourced fish.

Mind you, from what I have seen over the years on the Bellarine Peninsula, would make the Fisheries seem irrelevant.
I have seen and know first hand how many fish & chip shops buy directly from 'supposed' recreational fisherman.

Was also at Lorne recently - the place should have a full time fisheries officer on duty, or 2 for that fact. (16 hour days )

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