13FISH helps nab illegal online tuna seller

04 July 2018

A member of the public's phone call to 13FISH on Sunday has helped Fisheries Officers apprehend a Rowville man selling his catch of southern bluefin tuna, which is illegal.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) acting CEO Dallas D'Silva said the 35-year-old man had returned from a fishing trip at Portland and allegedly posted online offering 8.5kg of southern bluefin tuna for $200.

"Recreational anglers must not sell their catch. Only commercial fishers can do that in accordance with strict licensing arrangements," Mr D'Silva said.

"Having received the 13FISH phone call, Fisheries Officers from Cowes were able to respond quickly and within hours had apprehended the man and seized the fish, which had been taken legally aboard a charter boat trip.

"The man was interviewed and will be charged on summons for selling southern bluefin tuna, which is a priority species in Victoria, and thus afforded extra protection to ensure its sustainable management.

"He faces maximum penalties up to $32,238 and/or 12 months imprisonment."

Mr D'Silva said this was a great example of the community helping ensure all Victorians have fish for the future by calling the 24-hour offence reporting line, 13FISH (133474).

"We can't always respond so quickly to a call, however all the information received via 13FISH is useful and contributes to our intelligence database, which helps us plan operations and patrols."

Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for southern bluefin tuna is 2 per person. An absolute state-wide possession limit also exists, which is 2 southern bluefin tuna or up to 160kg in any other form.

Mr D'Silva said recent coastal patrols in southwestern Victoria had revealed excellent compliance with southern bluefin tuna fishing rules by recreational anglers, with most people doing the right thing.