Recidivist pipi poacher gets $1000 fine and 12 month fishing ban

04 May 2018

A man caught by Fisheries Officers with 15 litres of pipis at Venus Bay in January has been sentenced and fined $1,000 with conviction, after the matter was heard at the Korumburra Magistrates Court today.

The man from Stony Creek in West Gippsland also received a prohibition order banning him from any recreational fishing for 12 months.

The catch limit for pipis in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park between Point Smyth and Arch Rock, including Venus Bay, is two litres per person per day.

This was the man's second summons to court for taking excess pipis and he failed to appear before the Magistrate.

Victorian Fisheries Authority Regional Manager of Operations, Bill McCarthy, said it was a good result and sends a clear message of deterrence to others who may be thinking of exceeding catch limits.

"It shows that this behavior will not be tolerated.

"People who don't comply with prohibition orders and continue to fish illegally face even stiffer penalties of up to $15,857 and or six months imprisonment, or both.

"Catch limits are set to ensure equitable sharing of fisheries resources and long-term sustainability so that there are fish for the future.

"Most people Fisheries Officers encounter harvesting pipis at Venus Bay are doing the right thing and abiding by catch limits," Mr McCarthy said.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13FISH (133474), anytime.