Repeat crabbing offender fined $15,000 and loses boat and trailer

[Member]

Repeat crabbing offender fined $15,000 and loses boat and trailer
 News release | 25-Nov-2014 - DAFF


A recreational fisher from Inala, Brisbane, has been fined $15,000 and had his boat, outboard motor and trailer forfeited to the state after repeated crabbing offences.

Queensland Boating and Fishing Patrol officer Chris Watts said the significant penalty should send a clear message to others that illegal crabbing activities will not be tolerated.

"The defendant appeared in court and pleaded guilty to a range of crabbing offences including possessing four undersize mud crabs, a female mud crab, and two mud crab claws without the crab's body," Mr Watts said.

"He was also charged with tipping an esky of crabs overboard and threatening to assault officers.

"The Magistrate noted the defendant's extensive history for crabbing offences, conducting illegal crabbing activities at night to avoid detection, and his threatening behaviour towards officers.

"The defendant is well known to us - this is the third boat of his to be seized and forfeited for mud crabbing offences in Tingalpa Creek."

Mr Watts said illegal crabbing is a significant issue in Queensland.

"It is essential the community immediately reports any suspected illegal fishing or crabbing to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116 in order for QBFP to investigate," he said.

"Community safety is paramount, so it is important you don't engage the person, as this can compromise an investigation.

"All information provided to the hotline will be prioritised based on potential fishery risks, accuracy and reliability with an appropriate response formulated."

Come on B&FP & DAFF.... How about some decent hits on Qld's Sweetwater to hit the illegal fishing that is going on every day. A few fines & vehicles being taken would be welcomed by many people, and the fish.

Ed.
Sorry, only registered users can see this content. Please Login or Register.