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General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on October 20, 2015, 10:06:43 PM
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Restaurant fined for undersized and excess fish
News release | 19-Oct-2015 - DAF
A restaurant owner has been fined $3000 after fisheries officers uncovered undersized fish and a quantity of fish in excess of possession limits at a restaurant in Ayr.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district officer Robert Ibell said the restaurant owner pleaded guilty to possessing 5 undersize mackerel, 11 excess barramundi, 23 shark fins, and for failing to provide receipts for the purchase of the seafood.
"The penalty handed down by the Ayr Magistrates Court sends a strong message to restaurant owners to operate within the law," Mr Ibell said.
"Possession of undersized fish and the possession of commercial quantities of fish by a restaurant without prescribed records is a very serious offence and will be dealt with before the courts.
"We received information from concerned members of the public through our Fishwatch hotline and executed a search warrant at the restaurant."
Mr Ibell said size and possession limits are in place to provide sustainable fish stock for all commercial and recreational fishers.
"For sharks, a maximum size limit of 1.5 m as well as a possession limit of one shark per person applies. The exceptions are great white sharks, grey nurse sharks, sawfish and speartooth sharks which are no-take," he said.
"Strict rules are in place to prevent the cruel act of shark finning and discourage any potential for black marketing.
"It's important that everyone abides by the rules to assist long-term sustainability and resource sharing."
If you suspect illegal fishing, whether seen in person or online, report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. Don't engage the person, as this can compromise an investigation.
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