Fisheries pounce on abolone, rock lobster
A LONG-running undercover operation has closed a significant black market business, the Department of Fisheries claims.
It allegedly uncovered a black market in abalone and rock lobster operating from business premises and homes in Perth and regional towns.
The joint operation between Fisheries and Marine Officers and police officers carried out searches last Thursday at a suburban retail fish shop, two city restaurants and several homes.
Two people are expected to be charged.
On Monday another swoop on businesses and homes in Perth and Collie allegedly uncovered further evidence and Fisheries said at least three people will face charges over illegal abalone sales, purchases and distribution.
Other potential charges, include dealing in illegally obtained abalone, illegal possession and sales of abalone and rock lobster and breaches of the Abalone Management Plan for W's commercial abalone fishery.
Breaches of the Management Plan carry 12 months imprisonment and/or fines up to $25,000 for an individual or $50,000 for a company. The same fines apply for illegal sales, while illegal possession offences attract a penalty up to $5000.
Some offences would also lead to mandatory penalties related to the number or weight of abalone or rock lobster involved, and forfeiture of gear and equipment.
Five vehicles, large amounts of cash and other items allegedly used in the distribution and sale of the black market abalone and rock lobster have been seized.
Department of Fisheries Central Support Manager Ian Jones said Fisheries officers had been working on the investigation since late last year and carried out many hours of surveillance.
``It may be several weeks before we can complete interviews and conduct further inquiries so we can finalise all the charges against the alleged offenders, but we believe we have put a stop to some significant black market fish trade in WA,'' Mr Jones said.
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7739ian
Posts: 948
Date Joined: 25/06/08
It must be something in the water
but the South-West is over represented in this type off thing - even the last idiot hit big up north for over fishing with prawns was from down here. They must be the same idiots who pass me over the double whites each morning.
roberta
Posts: 2773
Date Joined: 08/07/08
I think its called greed
Love fisheries to get about 6 people in Leeman doing same thing but they are very very clever, as I've said before all lower than snakes belly
SPEWIE LEWIE
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Colin Hay
Posts: 10407
Date Joined: 23/10/07
Good to see
But there will always be others who will keep doing it.
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Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
No sympathy!
I hope the lot get the book thown at them! When this eventually goes to court, let's hope the judge realises the seriousness and make an example of them.
But, as you said Colin, there's always others with no conscience and greed (as you said Roberta) that are prepared to take the risk.
Colin Molloy
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Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
This black market op was
This black market op was worth millions so im told....
Good bust, but im sure there are plenty more doing the same thing.
No different to still seeing people using set nets and drag nets in the peel estuary for prawns n stuff....
davebarry (not verified)
Posts: 16
Date Joined: 01/01/70
Laws are only obeyed by the honest
Laws are only obeyed by the honest - thats most of us - so we will never understand how people do this.
Yet trawlers and cray boats don't need to obey the general restrictions???
Monet, Money, money......
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Monet!
Yeah, they creat a bad impression (cough, cough).
Colin Molloy
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davebarry (not verified)
Posts: 16
Date Joined: 01/01/70
creat?!
you without sin - throw the first stone......
and - yes I read that twice to check it this time - LOL!
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Dave - Art
Couldn't help myself Dave, my late father was an impressionistic painter - so I had the likes of Monet, Van Gough etc rammed into me (metphorically speaking!).
So Monet - 'creates a bad impression' - wasn't at you - it was a double entendre on both the acts of the ab goons and Monet's art style.
(the very worst jokes always require lots of explaining LOL)
Colin Molloy
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Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!