From the Department of Primary Industries

Thursday January 24, 2008

OPERATION BALLOT - BASS YABBY BAIT BUST

A man was interviewed last night after being caught by Fisheries Victoria officers operating an unlicensed commercial bait business in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

The man was apprehended with more than 3832 Bass yabbies in Western Port on Wednesday night and a search warrant was executed on his premises in Jacana late yesterday by Fisheries Victoria.

Aerators, troughs and packing material consistent with long term unlicensed commercial
operations were found at the premises. The man will be charged on summons with taking Bass yabbies for sale without a licence.

Bass yabbies sell for upwards of $5 per dozen and the quantity seized have a commercial value of over $1500.

Fisheries Victoria Acting Director of Field Services Neville Fowler said evidence of bait theft has been gathered through surveillance activities by Fisheries Officers over the last six months as part of Operation Ballot.

“The man did not hold the required commercial licence and in addition to the charges, his boat has been seized.

“Bass yabbies are a popular bait used by anglers to target a number of marine and estuarine species and are also becoming an increasingly popular bait for native freshwater fish such as golden perch.

“In recent years Fisheries Victoria officers have observed a significant increase in the recreational harvest of Bass yabbies in Gippsland, Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. As a result a catch limit of 100 has been put in place.

“Recent research has highlighted the important role Bass yabbies play in the aquatic ecosystem, which is why it is important daily catch limits are observed.

“Fisheries Victoria will continue to manage fisheries, including Bass yabby collection to ensure Victoria’s fish resources remain sustainable for future generations,” Mr Fowler said.

Members of the public who wish to report illegal or suspicious fishing activity are encouraged to contact 13 FISH (13 3474) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.