Fisheries Powers?????
Submitted by Rodrat on Sun, 2008-06-15 14:21
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
____________________________________________________________________________
FISH FOR THE FUTURE 
mako magic
Posts: 5785
Date Joined: 03/08/05
very interesting one there
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
Posts: 4778
Date Joined: 03/02/06
Anecdotally
Cheers
Cheers
Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)
Youngest member of the Fishwrecked Old Farts Club
Carolyn
Posts: 159
Date Joined: 13/10/07
fisheries officers
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
Member of the Offshore Angling Club of WA (Beach Branch) www.beachfishingwa.org.au
mako magic
Posts: 5785
Date Joined: 03/08/05
thanks carolyn, just as what
thanks carolyn, just as what we thought, as you stated should be the same in all states
brenz
Posts: 2182
Date Joined: 15/06/06
fisheries
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
Posts: 18031
Date Joined: 11/03/08
Carolyn they can fine you for speeding too
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"
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
Ryan Thipthorp (not verified)
Posts: 16
Date Joined: 01/01/70
more!
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
Posts: 4
Date Joined: 12/06/08
I think circumstances would have to be pretty bad
for a boat and vehicle confiscation
Cheers Big Bird
carnarvonite
Posts: 8671
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Confiscation of gear etc
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