Police seize fish, boat, car and arrest two men over illegal fishing

Two men linked to organised crime have been arrested in Hobsons Bay for illegally taking calamari squid from Port Phillip Bay and selling it to a restaurant.

Two men have been arrested for illegally fishing calamari squid in Port Phillip Bay.

Two men have been arrested for an alleged illegal fishing trade authorities have likened to organised crime.

Calamari, a boat, fishing equipment and a 4WD were seized in raids at wholesale and retail stores in Hobsons Bay.

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Victorian Fisheries Authority manager Brooke Hall said the calamari had been caught in Port Phillip by someone without a commercial fishing license, then allegedly sold to stores in an “organised crime arrangement”.

The fishing boat that was seized in Hobsons Bay on Wednesday.

“We believe this was happening on a regular basis and that the fisher was paid cash upon delivery by the shop owner,” Mr Hall said.

“Recreational fishers are not allowed sell their catch. Only licensed commercial fishers can do that.”

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Unlawful sales undermined the livelihood of legitimate commercial fishers and could affect the sustainability of Victoria’s valuable fisheries resources, he said.

The fisherman will be charged with taking fish for sale and possessing the proceeds of crime.

The shop owner will be charged with receiving unlawfully taken fish for sale and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

The crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years jail.

To report suspicious or illegal fishing activity call 13 FISH anytime.

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