Tasmania Police charge six men with fisheries offences involving rock lobster and abalone

Marine police have charged two groups of men over alleged fisheries offences in the state’s far south

Marine Police photo showing the measuring of rock lobster. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

MARINE police have intercepted six recreational fishermen with allegedly undersized and excess abalone and rock lobster in the state’s far South.

Senior Sergeant Bill Grierson said the two groups of men were detected while diving near Southport on Saturday.

Three of the men were at Sisters Bay and a second group of three was said to have been at Lady Bay.

Marine Police photo showing the measuring of abalone. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Police will allege the men at Sisters Bay, aged in their 30s, were found to be in possession of excess and undersized abalone.

“The fish were seized and the males will be proceeded against for a number fisheries offences,” Senior Sergeant Grierson said.

“A short time later, Marine Police detected another group of three males, also aged in their 30s, diving at Lady Bay. These males were also intercepted and found in possession of a large quantity of abalone and rock lobster.”

Senior Sergeant Grierson said the trio were accused of taking more than the daily bag limit and a number of the abalone and rock lobster were undersized.

“These fish were seized and the males will be summonsed to appear in the Hobart Court of Petty Sessions,” Senior Sergeant Grierson said.

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“Marine Police would like to remind recreational fisherman to ensure they comply with bag and possession limits. Information on bag and possession limits can be found in the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide available at Service Tasmania or download the Tas Fish app.”

Illegal fishing can be reported to Fishwatch on 0427 655 557.