Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 M600 LEADERBOARD

Fibreglass boat seized for illegal fishing

by Victorian Fisheries Authority 18 Oct 2021 14:14 PDT
Boat seized for illegal fishing © Amelia J Elliston

Fisheries Officers have seized a fibreglass boat worth more than $40,000 from a Leopold man for allegedly taking fish from Port Phillip and selling them to retail outlets over many months.

Director of Enforcement and Education with the Victorian Fisheries Authority Ian Parks said most recreational fishers do the right thing and take fish for personal consumption only.

"Operation Maple targeted the sale of recreationally caught fish, which is illegal. Only licensed commercial fishers are authorised to sell their catch," Mr Parks said.

"The man allegedly caught King George whiting and calamari on many occasions around Queenscliff, always abiding by the daily catch limits to avoid detection.

"However, subsequent surveillance and investigations by Fisheries Officers revealed he was allegedly selling the fish to several retail outlets including restaurants and take away food shops.

"Those establishments will face enforcement action too, including referral to food safety regulators.

"Fisheries Officers seized the man's boat, fish, a sum of cash, mobile phone and fishing equipment used in the alleged offending. A retention order was also placed on his car given it was allegedly used to deliver fish for sale.

"The man will face the Geelong Magistrates Court in coming months on numerous charges of taking fish for sale."

Recreational fishers are reminded that selling fish they have caught is illegal.

Businesses that buy fish without documentation that shows a lawful source face on the spot fines of $900, prosecution and potentially court orders prohibiting them from dealing in seafood.

If you suspect illegal fishing call our 24/7 reporting line, 13 FISH (13 3474), to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer. You can remain anonymous. Make the call and make the difference.

Related Articles

Nordhavn 71 Roundtable Discussion
Some of the parent company's masterminds gathered in the saloon recently Recently some of the masterminds behind Nordhavn parent company Pacific Asian Enterprises gathered in the saloon of the brand new hull #3 of the Nordhavn 71 series to discuss the mechanics and nuances of the company's latest luxury model. Posted on 9 Jun
Marine Auctions: June online auctions
Bidding to open on Friday 20th June The Bidding for the June Online Auction will commence on Thursday 20th June and will end on Thursday 26th June at 2pm AEST. Posted on 7 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Five
Episode Five - Shane Subichin, The Boat Works - is now up and running Watch along as we speak with Shane Subichin, GM at The Boat Works about his life from tinnies on Sydney Harbour to leading the team at the premier refit and maintenance yard on the Gold Coast. Posted on 6 Jun
New Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider
An exciting new generation of Formula dayboats has arrived An exciting new generation of Formula dayboats has arrived with the upcoming debut of the all-new Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider. Posted on 5 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 7
Small Inlet to Mound Island We had an elaborate plan all worked out for today, with several backup plans built in, and we scrapped all of it as soon as we got up to Chatham Point light, where the promised 25kt winds and 3ft moderate wind waves did not materialize at all. Posted on 5 Jun
Spirit Yachts Reveals New P50 Motor Yacht
The P50 Coupé and the P50 Sport offer options for warmer and cooler climates An exclusive new project from Spirit Yachts' award-winning in-house design team led by Tom Smith, the Spirit P50 marries the style and sophistication of Spirit's sailing yachts with statement power boat characteristics to offer a luxury proposition. Posted on 4 Jun
Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht - Ready to ride
Making her highly anticipated debut in Atlantic City The Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht makes her highly anticipated debut in Atlantic City, New Jersey – and it's more than a new model. Posted on 4 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 3
Clam Bay to Comox: A gorgeous, calm morning so far! Our alarm went off just before 4:30am this morning...enough time to check the weather, get a few sips of coffee, and figure out if we were going to need to change the plan. Again. Posted on 1 Jun
30th anniversary celebrated at Sanctuary Cove
A meaningful tribute to the people who have shaped Palm Beach Motor Yachts The show welcomed four days of ideal weather and high-quality visitors, including owners and VIP guests who traveled to the Gold Coast for the milestone event. Posted on 31 May
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 2
We've already resorted to a Plan B. Day 2 and we've already resorted to a Plan B. Originally our plan this morning was to leave Ganges around 7:30am to make Dodd Narrows by noon, just prior to slack, and then continue on up to Tribune Bay on Hornby Island — a long day (67nm). Posted on 31 May
Maritimo 2023 M600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts