A commercial quantity of abalone has been seized by Fisheries officers in a joint operation with Yorke Mid-North Police yesterday.
On Tuesday 19 December, police received information from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Yorketown Fisheries Office in relation to suspicious fishing behaviour at Bluff Beach. A joint investigation between Fisheries and Police commenced.
At about 3.30pm Thursday 21 December, Minlaton and Yorketown Police accompanied Fisheries Officers at Bluff Beach, where they intercepted three men and two women, locating 84 abalone in their possession.
Police and Fisheries Officers subsequently attended a Minlaton address and located a further two men and women, in possession of 65 Abalone and 31 Crabs.
Fisheries Officers will allege that a majority of the Abalone and crabs were under the legal size limit.
The abalone and fishing equipment were seized by Fisheries Officers as part of the prosecution process.
All suspects are from interstate and were interviewed by Fisheries Officers for offences under the Fisheries Act, with their investigation continuing. Timely information from the public was crucial in the investigation and the public is encouraged to call Fishwatch on 1800 065 522 if they see any suspicious fishing activity.
For further information please contact PIRSA.
