Men charged for commercial abalone fisheries offences
27 July 2026
Two men have been charged for the alleged fisheries offences of harvesting a commercial quantity of abalone, after attempting to sell the catch to a seafood retailer in Melbourne's south-east.
It is alleged the pair visited the business on 30 December 2025 and offered to sell between 25 and 30 kilograms of blacklip abalone without lawful authority. The retailer declined the offer after establishing the men were not authorised to sell commercially harvested abalone.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Major Fisheries Crime Unit Investigators allege the quantity of abalone attempted to be sold, exceeded 30 kilograms, more than three times the legal threshold for a commercial quantity under Victorian fisheries legislation.
Neither of the men hold a commercial abalone license and it is alleged they exceeded the recreational abalone bag limit and were attempting to sell their catch, which is prohibited in Victoria unless you hold a commercial fisheries license.
One of the accused is also alleged to have breached an existing fisheries prohibition order, which prohibited him from possessing abalone or participating in any abalone-related fishing activities.
VFA Director of Community Engagement and Major Crime Ian Parks said the charges send a message to anyone considering compromising Victoria’s abalone fishery, which is the state’s most valuable commercial fishery.
“This type of excessive abalone collection, and an attempt to sell abalone illegally, threatens the sustainability of wild stocks, the viability of legitimate commercial abalone licence holders, and food safety standards for seafood consumers,” Mr Parks said.
“Commercial abalone fishers and processing facilities are subject to stringent food safety protocols to ensure the product that is exported, served in restaurants or enjoyed at the family dinner table is high quality and safe to eat.
“Illegitimately sourced seafood, including abalone, risks the health of consumers through poor handling, contamination and inadequate storage at the right temperature.”
Only licensed commercial fishers are permitted to sell their catch. Seafood retailers, restaurants and fishmongers can only purchase seafood from licensed commercial fishers and must keep proof-of-sale documentation for all seafood on their premises.
As part of the investigation, Major Fisheries Crime Unit Investigators seized a white Ford Ranger utility under the provisions of the Fisheries Act.
The matter is currently before the courts.
Members of the public who see or suspect illegal fishing, or witness anyone selling their catch illegally, are encouraged to report it by calling 13FISH (133474) anytime to provide details. You can remain anonymous.