Black market bust convicts and fines commercial fisher $19,500

[Fisheries Queensland]

Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Media release
17 December 2013

Black market bust convicts and fines commercial fisher $19,500

A major surveillance operation by QBFP has resulted in a $19,500 fine for a Bundaberg commercial fisher for equipment offences and selling illegal fisheries products.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district manager Geoff Fergusson said the prosecution was the result of an intensive 12-month black market operation.

“Our investigation found the commercial fisher sold 14 female mud crabs, 5 undersize male mud crabs, and 15 undersize fish to a Bundaberg resident,” Mr Fergusson said.

“Evidence suggests that this supply was for a large–scale black market operation at a residential address.

“The Bundaberg resident was fined $12,500 earlier this year for his role in the case, and the prosecution of the commercial fisher now wraps up the investigation.”

Mr Fergusson said the commercial fisher was also prosecuted for netting offences as part of a separate investigation.

“A QBFP general patrol in the Kolan River caught the man breaching a number of commercial gear rules, including failure to mark nets with floats and lights, and using fishing nets greater than a nautical mile apart,” he said.

“In addition to the fine, the man’s nets, anchors and ropes were forfeited to the state.

“A conviction was recorded for both incidents, and his commercial fishing licence suspended for four months.

“This was an excellent result for both the commercial and recreational fishing industry by stopping two individuals who were damaging our fisheries.

“Fishing rules are in place so that we can share and protect our fisheries resources for future generations.

“If anyone suspects illegal fishing, we urge you to immediately report it to the Fishwatch hotline 1800 017 116 so that it can be investigated.”

For more information on Queensland fishing rules, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

[cormorant]

Why were the boats, trailer , vehicles , phone and fridges used all confiscated. anything to do with the theft.

Good to see a conviction but 12 months work and fines seem small compared to what they probably turned over rather than the few chipped crabs they got done for.

Why is the bloke ever allowed near any fishing equipment ever again? Why wasn't the buyer done for food safety offenses and council rules.? all those govt departments to add additional pain to these scum.

He should have to have a tracker , paid by him on his boat and vehicle if he wants to continue work.

4 months suspension pffffffttttt- joke.

What were their names!!!!!

[Macks forever]

Well done QBFP.

The question I have is why is this person still allowed to fish? This was not a simple little error like one or 2 crabs that were a bit undersized. It is obviously a planned and intention breaking of the law for greedy profit.

If this was a truckie done for 10ks over the speed limit he would get a fine. So should a commercial or rec fisher for minor offence.

But if the truckie was done for 40 ks over the limit with a BAC of 0.25 while on his mobile phone crossing double white lines with an overloaded and uncovered truck with bald tyres and faulty brakes he would have got a massive fine PLUS lost his licence for a serious time. So should any commercial fisher for a major breach.

And the government could save money on their buyback! Ah but then the bureaucrats would give him a fortune for his licence and then when his suspension was up he would buy back another cheap one and start again. He might even make a profit after the fines and have a year holiday the way FQ works. ;-(

[cormorant]

Can't agree more. Good thought in regards to buy back. Anyone convicted can't participate. Anything that can act as a disincentive to make them think it is not worthwhile pillaging. Oh and I agree with heavy fines for non professionals and greater ones for pros but regardless pro or not repeat offenders need to be banned from holding fishing gear on or near water.

[mortyb]

Good work QFBP. Good to see a fine and conviction for the resident and commercial fisher. Althought I thought his fisheries licence would have been cancelled as a conviction was recorded and he was prosecuted for 2 separate offences. Maybe the government can just not renew his licence.

[Webby08]

Good work for pinning him but its a dam shame the legislation wont allow you to at least cover costs with a conviction.

What were the total man hours/equipment costs in getting a conviction on these guys. Then to only be fined 19.5k.
I think that's a bit of a fail on the governments behalf for no giving fisheries more muscle but its only my opinion...

[Mike Delisser]

Both the commercial fisher and the resident were found guilty and convicted.........so why no names?

[Horse]

Name and shame. The guy should be out of the industry. Forced buyback and suspended from buying a new one for at least a year

[Lucky_Phill]

Here is the link to the story in the local newspaper. No reporter, so it was submitted by FQ media.

Interesting comments from readers.

http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/com...7496/#comments


cheers LP

[Lucky_Phill]

For those that want to know, here are the details of the court to contact. The names of the offenders are public property, due to criminal conviction.

Bundaberg Magistrates Court

Phone:

• (07) 4131 5667
• (07) 4131 5667 (Coroner)

Email:courthouse.bundaberg@justice.qld.gov.au

Fax( 07 ) 4153 3420 (07) 4153 3420 (Coroner)

Postal address:
PO Box 908
BUNDABERG QLD 4670

Address:
44 Quay Street
BUNDABERG QLD 4670


LP

[Mike Delisser]

You know it makes you wonder what should be a priority. A commercial netter gets fined and has his licence temporally suspended for taking part in a large scale black market with multiple and repeated offences. Yet if he was an ex bikie and had a quiet Xmas beer at a country pub with a couple of old mates he'd be facing 6 months in jail with no parole or bail while awaiting trial.

[NEW HORIZONS]

What a joke,4 months suspension , this cowboy should be drummed out of the industry,take his vehicle his boat and his licence cancelled forever

[manta man]

So what about the Pro recently convicted in Cooktown, just a fine he retains his licence and lets just keep crabbing. But if that was me, i would have lost everything Boat, Car. etc. So far as i'm concerned rules for one mob and well the other mob mmm... geez.