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Positive result from Fisheries phone-in

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

A special phone-in enabling members of the local Limestone Coast community to ring and report suspected fish thieves, has provided a positive result.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager Limestone Coast, Ms Mel Snart says the phone-in, named Operation Hawker, provided local Fisheries Officers with two positive leads into suspected illegal catch and sale activity in the southern rock lobster and abalone fisheries. 

“Fisheries Officers have already started following up on these leads,” Ms Snart said.

“While the number of calls received overall was not high, it did provide quality information.

“The phone-in showed that the community is prepared to play their part in protecting local fish stocks and are not prepared to sit by and let others profit from this type of illegal activity.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who took the time to call the phone-in number and I encourage anyone who has any information about any suspected illegal activity to contact their local Fisheries Officer, call the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline (1800 065 522) or write direct to PIRSA Fisheries.

“Callers can remain anonymous and all information received will be treated as confidential.”

In South Australia, it’s illegal for recreational fishers to buy, sell or trade any of their catch, and it’s also an offence to buy fish that has been obtained illegally, or to sell fish without the necessary licence.