In a remote part of East Gippsland, four men from interstate have been apprehended with allegedly more than 1,000 blacklip abalone in one of the largest illegal hauls of the last decade.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Education and Enforcement Ian Parks said the abalone, which are a prized seafood delicacy, are estimated to be worth around $17,000 on the black market.
"Fisheries Officers from Mallacoota were conducting a routine boat patrol off Wingan Inlet on Sunday when they observed four men allegedly removing abalone from their shells on the rocky shoreline," he said.
"With help from local Victoria Police officers, the men - from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory - were intercepted less than two hours later on the Wingan Road in two cars and allegedly found in possession of a commercial quantity of abalone."
Fisheries Officers allegedly located 241 whole and shucked (removed from their shell) abalone on the Wingan Inlet rocks, where the men were first observed in the afternoon.
A further 109 whole and shucked abalone were allegedly located in one of the vehicles, whilst another 669 abalone meats were discovered in the second car.
The total haul of 1019 abalone, some of which were allegedly undersize, weighed nearly 210kg and were seized on the spot. Most could not be released alive because their shell had been removed.
Mr Parks said the four men will face several charges including taking, possessing and trafficking a commercial quantity of abalone.
"We're serious about protecting Victoria's valuable wild abalone stocks so they can be managed sustainably for future generations to enjoy," he said.
"We encourage any member of the public who sees or suspects illegal fishing to call our 13FISH (133474) line to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer. Callers can remain anonymous. Make the call and make the difference."
