Hefty ban for lobster selling

A WEST Australian man has been fined and banned from lobster fishing for two years after selling hundreds of rock lobsters on the black market

A man has copped a hefty fine and a ban for selling rock lobsters on the black market.

A WEST Australian man has been fined and banned from lobster fishing for two years after selling hundreds of rock lobsters on the black market.

Graham Thomas Davies from Yanchep has been ordered to pay a fine and costs of $94,409.35 after pleading guilty to multiple charges following an investigation by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries.

“This outcome highlights how serious the court considers these offences,” compliance manager Todd A’Vard said this week.

Davies, 67, pleaded guilty in Joondalup Magistrates Court on August 30.

The department says Davies sold more than 300 rock lobsters he had caught recreationally between November 2015 and March 2016. Mr Vard says the fine and ban sends a strong message.

“Black market fish thieves are on notice,” he said.

“Individuals tempted to sell their catch illegally need to consider the risk of receiving large fines and having boats, vehicles and gear seized.”

Seafood trafficking offences also carry a penalty of four years, he said.