Abalone thieves collect thousands in fines

06 November 2024

The Lorne community is being praised by Fisheries Officers after information from the public led to the apprehension of 11 illegal fishers from two separate groups near Cathedral Rocks.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said calls from community members through the 13FISH (133474) reporting line helped officers plan a patrol at the popular location east of Lorne last week.

“Our Apollo Bay-based officers received reports of multiple groups of fishers allegedly collecting several species of shellfish, molluscs and crabs from the intertidal zone and during the abalone closed season for central Victorian waters,” he said.

“Officers first encountered a group of seven people in possession of more than 100 abalone, including 24 that were undersize, 92 red shore crabs and approximately 15 litres of mixed molluscs. They had also allegedly used an incorrect tool to remove the abalone.

“The second group, comprising of four people, was intercepted with 193 red shore crabs (bag limit 30 per person), 24 abalone (14 undersize) and half a litre of molluscs.

“Individuals from both groups will face fines of up to $2,174 each for offences including taking abalone during the closed season, exceeding the abalone bag limit, taking molluscs from the intertidal zone, and exceeding the bag limit for red shore crabs.

“We say a big thanks to those eagle-eyed residents who had been in touch with our Fisheries Officers for playing a vital role in looking after our fisheries.”

Cathedral Rocks is within the Central Victorian Waters abalone zone, which opens on most weekends and public holidays from November 16 to April 30 every year.

Apollo Bay-based Supervising Fisheries Officer Scott Hanger said it was a timely reminder about the importance of 13FISH callers ahead of the region’s busiest time of year.

“We’re approaching peak season in areas like Lorne with snapper being caught off the rocks, Central Victorian abalone waters opening soon, and rock lobster season beginning on November 16, so the more eyes we have out there the better,” he said.

“We encourage anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing to ring 13FISH to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer. Callers can remain anonymous.”

For more information on the upcoming abalone season in Central Victorian waters, rock lobster season, intertidal zone rules, and size and bag limits for all species, fishers can download the FREE VicFishing app or head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide