From the Department of Primary Industries

March 27, 2008

NSW COMMERCIAL ABALONE DIVER FINED

A New South Wales commercial abalone diver has been ordered to pay nearly $12,000 in fines and costs at the Orbost Magistrates Court.

The 36 year old man, from Eden, yesterday pleaded guilty to illegally taking abalone from
Victorian waters inside the Cape Howe Marine National Park.

He was fined $2000 without conviction and ordered to pay $9948.00 in costs.

The court was told that Fisheries officers observed the man diving and taking abalone with
commercial abalone equipment inside the Marine Park in May 2006.

Fisheries Operations Manager, Peter Courtney said the illegal take of abalone by NSW
commercial divers in Victorian waters and the adjoining Cape Howe Marine National park is a serious problem.

“Fisheries officers undertake compliance duties in Victoria's Marine National parks and
Sanctuaries on behalf of Parks Victoria,” Mr Courtney said.

“The illegal take of abalone from Victorian waters is a problem that both agencies will continue to address".

Members of the public who observe any suspected illegal fishing activity are reminded to call Fisheries Victoria’s reporting hotline 13FISH (ph.13 3474) any time, seven days a week.