Canadian Bay abalone theft

31 January 2017

Two men from the Mornington Peninsula have been intercepted by Fisheries Officers with a large quantity of abalone at Canadian Bay in Mount Eliza.

Acting Regional Supervising Fisheries Officer Mark Asplin said it will be alleged that the two men were apprehended with 190 abalone, of which 188 were under the legal size limit of 10 centimetres for Port Phillip Bay.

"It will be alleged that the two men had approximately 15.62 kilograms of abalone from the protected intertidal zone within Port Phillip Bay that were taken using a screwdriver.

"Neither man was found to have a Recreational Fishing Licence when asked by Officers and a search of their vehicle uncovered scales, which it could be alleged were to be used to weigh the abalone prior to illegal sale." he said.

Mr Asplin said all of their equipment was seized and the men will be summoned to appear at court at a later date to face charges.

The two men could face fines in excess of $50,000 and/or five years in jail.

Fishers must ensure they have a Recreational Fishing Licence, stick to the catch limit of five and avoid the intertidal zone, which includes the area from the high water mark to a depth of two metres. 

The open days for abalone fishing in central Victorian waters for the remainder of the season include all weekends and public holidays through to 30 April 2017.

Members of the public are encouraged to call 13 FISH (13 3474) to report illegal fishing anywhere in Victoria, anytime.