Fisheries Powers?????

Hi All

While there is a few fishery topics around at the moment i thought i would ask a question or two.
What powers do the officers have? I have never been checked so i dont know.
What rights do u as a boatie have? Can you refuse them to look at your catch or come onto your boat?
Always wondered. Any body know?

Thanks

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FISH FOR THE FUTURE


mako magic's picture

Posts: 5785

Date Joined: 03/08/05

very interesting one there

Sun, 2008-06-15 14:25

very interesting one there rodrat, i would say they have the legal right to board your boat to check your catch, you could refuse, but if you have nothing to hide why would you anyway

Andy Mac's picture

Posts: 4779

Date Joined: 03/02/06

Anecdotally

Sun, 2008-06-15 14:28

They have more powers to search than a policeman does from what I have heard.


Cheers

Andy Mac

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Cheers

Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)

Youngest member of the Fishwrecked Old Farts Club

Carolyn's picture

Posts: 159

Date Joined: 13/10/07

fisheries officers

Sun, 2008-06-15 14:42

South Australian Fisheries Officers
Fisheries Officers are employed by Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) to help protect our fisheries.

They are based at strategic locations throughout the state and their main role is to inform and educate fishers about the rules that apply to fishing.

They also have powers to enforce the rules and regulations made under the Fisheries Act 1982, including the power to:

stop, enter and search any boat or vehicle they suspect is involved in illegal fishing activity
seize fish, fishing gear or other equipment that has been used in an alleged offence, including boats or vehicles.

You are required by law to follow any direction given by a Fisheries Officer, including providing your correct name and address.

When dealing with illegal fisheries activities, Fisheries Officers have the power to:

issue a written caution; or
issue an infringement notice (on the spot fine).

More serious offences will be processed through the court system.


Marine Safety Officers from the Department of Transport now also have the authority to check fish catches, and PIRSA Fisheries Officers are able to check safety gear as well as licences. SA Police Officers also have powers under the Fisheries Act.

I guess its the same in all states

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Member of the Offshore Angling Club of WA (Beach Branch) www.beachfishingwa.org.au

 

mako magic's picture

Posts: 5785

Date Joined: 03/08/05

thanks carolyn, just as what

Sun, 2008-06-15 14:45

thanks carolyn, just as what we thought, as you stated should be the same in all states

brenz's picture

Posts: 2182

Date Joined: 15/06/06

fisheries

Sun, 2008-06-15 14:51

fisheries have more power than cops can search your boat without asking and can even confiscate vehicals boats etc as far as im aware of

Faulkner Family's picture

Posts: 17861

Date Joined: 11/03/08

Carolyn they can fine you for speeding too

Sun, 2008-06-15 14:52

We also nearly got a speeding fine from fisherys because he said we were exceding the speed limit coming in on the channel at shark bay . got off with a warning then he went over our boat counted every fish sized and amount, then went over all our safty gear ,licences (permit and RST)

Gave us a big talking to about were the speed limits start and finish (not sign posted need ESP to know) but in all was happy with our catch and paper work.

 

RUSS

 

"A family that fishes together stays together"

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RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together

Posts: 23

Date Joined: 01/01/70

more!

Sun, 2008-06-15 17:14

Fisheries do not need a search warrant for any of their work however the Police need to obtain such is certain areas so yeh as mentioned by Andy.......... the Fisheries have more powers!

 

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bigbird's picture

Posts: 4

Date Joined: 12/06/08

I think circumstances would have to be pretty bad

Sun, 2008-06-15 18:05

for a boat and vehicle confiscation

Cheers Big Bird

carnarvonite's picture

Posts: 8627

Date Joined: 24/07/07

Confiscation of gear etc

Tue, 2008-06-17 19:25

Was fishing [Professional]from Hamelin Bay a few years back when Fisheries raided a mob from Collie [Poacherville] and seized their boat ,landcruiser and caravan there as well as a boat,caravan and car in Augusta ,plus gear in Collie for taking excess abalone from both places over a fair period of time.Forget exactly what the penalty finished but it was over a hundred grand!!!
Best not to step on wrong side of the law