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15 Oct 12
A man is to be charged on summons for taking his recreational catch of squid and then selling it to the general public.
A 45-year-old Melbourne man from Springvale man is to be charged on summons for taking his recreational catch of squid and then selling it to the general public from his residence.
The man was interviewed at his home on October 7 following a one week surveillance operation by Fisheries Officers in and around the Flinders area on the Mornington Peninsula.
During that time Fisheries Officers observed the man fishing for squid and later saw members of the public entering his home in Springvale and leaving with fresh squid.
Officers intercepted four people who had purchased squid from the man for $15 a kilogram.
The man will be charged on summons with taking fish for sale, which carries a maximum penalty of $14,000 and six months imprisonment.
Acting Regional Fisheries Officer for Central, Chris Angwin, said a search of the man's residence allegedly uncovered a number of nets deemed commercial fishing equipment.
The nets along with the man's boat, fishing equipment and other evidence were seized and will be held pending the court's ruling.
Possessing commercial fishing equipment is an offence which carries a maximum penalty of $5700.
"Anglers illegally selling their catch without a commercial licence threaten the sustainability of fisheries resource," Officer Angwin said.
"The public needs to be aware that buying seafood from unlicensed persons can impact negatively on the availability and price of seafood for customers as well as increasing consumer health risks."
Anyone approached by a recreational angler attempting to sell their catch, or anyone who suspects a seafood business is sourcing its seafood illegally, is urged to call the 24-hour fisheries offence reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474).
