From the Department of Primary Industries                                                                                         
ABALONE BUST AT PORT FAIRY

Thursday, 11th October, 2007

Fisheries Officers have apprehended and charged four men with taking abalone from a closed area at Port Fairy.

Warrnambool Senior Fisheries Officer, Ian Westhorpe, said Fisheries Officers were alerted to men snorkelling in an area west of Port Fairy that had been closed due to the abalone virus.

“The men were apprehended by Officers with five abalone each, as well as other shellfish.

“Their fishing equipment was also seized.

Mr Westhorpe said the area had been closed to help protect important stocks of abalone that have been severely impacted by the abalone virus in the south-west.

“The area is well signposted and Fisheries Officers have been working for many months with industry and the local community to publicise the closure.

“There is a Fisheries Notice on the area which prohibits the collection and removal of abalone, other shellfish and any substrate” he said.

Mr Westhorpe said Fisheries Officers had followed strict biosecurity measures in regards to the men’s equipment and clothing.

“This involves washing all vessels, wetsuits, dive equipment, catch bags, boxes and people who come into contact with abalone with soapy freshwater.”

Members of the public who wish to report illegal or suspicious fishing activity are encouraged to ring 13FISH (133 474) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about abalone regulations and biosecurity guidelines a free water-resistant pocket card is available by calling the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.