Media release: Catching too many snapper costs anglers $3500

[poppy62]

This has been taken from facebook....

Two men have appeared in Geelong Magistrate’s Court for exceeding the snapper catch limit in Swan Bay near Queenscliff.
A 51-year-old from Winchelsea and 55-year-old from Deans Marsh pleaded guilty to taking in excess of 60 snapper in March this year.
The per person snapper bag limit is 10 per day, of which no more than three can equal or exceed 40cm.
Both men were convicted and fined $1000 and $1500 respectively.
In addition, the men were ordered to pay $1000 compensation for the illegally taken fish and prohibited from fishing until March 2014.

[nickb123]

well done to the DPI but i think fines should be bigger for hauls like that. We have limits for a reason for greedy people like that, i can't stand them!!!!
cheers

Nick

[fishingvic]

Media Release
November 22 | Media contact: Simone Dalton (03) 5362 0762
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; | Follow us on twitter@DEPI_Vic

Catching too many snapper costs anglers $3500

Two men have appeared in Geelong Magistrate’s Court for exceeding the catch limit for snapper from Swan Bay near Queenscliff.
A 51-year-old from Winchelsea and 55-year-old from Deans Marsh pleaded guilty to taking in excess of 60 snapper in March this year.
Both men were convicted and fined $1000 and $1500 respectively.
In addition, both men were ordered to pay $1000 compensation for the illegally taken fish and were prohibited from fishing until March 2014.
Regional Fisheries Officer Paul Millar said the men had been fishing at Swan Bay in March when intercepted by Fisheries Officers.
“The men caught 62 snapper that night, which is a large quantity and demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law.
“This is a great result for Victoria’s snapper stocks, particularly the compensation order.
“This result reminds people that taking too many fish is a serious matter and significant penalties apply to those who are willing to take the risk.”
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to contact the 24 hour fisheries offence reporting hotline 13FISH (133474).

[rixter]

They should of copped way more than that imo, that is pure greed !.

[CarlG]

Pair of bloody scumbags....may their parts wither and drop off...

[complete-anglerz-12]

what scum what are you going to do with that many fish their sentence needed to be alot worse i think

[Plas-Flicker]

Wouldn't be surprised if they had a little black market going on with that many fish, they must have been selling them. That's too many fish and who knows how many other times they were and didn't get caught.
Pretty lenient sentence and the ban should have been longer. Hope the fisheries keep an eye out for these guys and check on them regularly. I don't know - mark them as persons of interest or something.

[Bobby]

They should have got a much bigger fine. Work out the maths/. 60kg more than 200kg of fish at $5 per kg and there is $1000 in one days work. A disgrace.

Anyway to all us good fisherman good luck this weekend.

[Nick tucker]

Stupid half wits

[Fish-Hunter]

Am glad they were caught & fined, if it was a first offense I guess thats why the fines werent hefty. Next time sell their boat, fishing gear & triple the fines.