Tara Murray
A Hillside man has been fined $1200 and banned for fishing for six months after being convicted for taking too much calamari and breaking water safety regulations in Queenscliff.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Education and Enforcement Ian Parks said the man pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court, to taking more than the catch limit for calamari, speeding past another vessel and not wearing an approved life jacket when required. Fisheries Officers observed the man in October 2019, take more than the calamari catch limit, which is 10 per person per day.
“The man took a total of 23 calamari, two of which were returned to the water dead when a larger calamari was caught. This activity is known as ‘high grading’ and is not allowed,” Mr Parks said.
“The man was under surveillance for the entire fishing session as part of Operation Focus.
“Soon after, Fisheries Officers intercepted him at the boat ramp where he claimed to have only taken his bag limit.”
The court heard that the man had two prior matters recorded for similar offending and on both occasions his boat had been seized but later returned by the court.
The man also had his boat and fishing equipment forfeited.
Mr Parks said repeatedly breaking fishing regulations showed a blatant disregard for the law and the importance of abiding by catch limits so we can all enjoy our sustainable fisheries for years to come.
“Victoria boasts excellent calamari fisheries right along the coast, including Port Phillip, and we want to keep it that way for a species that continues to grow in popularity, both for bait and human consumption.”
Another man was on the boat at the time of the incident, but at no time did he fish.
