News Release - Heavy fines for trawl offences

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/16051.html

The information contained in this document is distributed by the Queensland Government for information purposes only. All reasonable steps have been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. For more information visit
the DPI&F Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[Lucky_Phill]

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22 September, 2004

Heavy fines for trawl offences a win for fisheries resources
Two men have been fined a total of $45,000 in the Cairns Magistrates Court for separate trawling offences sending a strong message in the fight against fisheries crime.

Dung Van Le of Mackenzie, Brisbane, pleaded guilty in writing and was convicted and fined $30,000 plus $63.20 court costs for six offences including possessing non-permitted fish, possessing regulated fish, failing to accurately record catch details and taking painted crayfish.

In the second unrelated matter, Dahn Le of Calamvale, Brisbane, was convicted and fined $15,000 plus $63.20 court costs for three offences including possessing regulated fish during trawling operations.

In both cases the court also ordered the seized fisheries resources be forfeited.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers were conducting a routine inspection at a cold store premises in Cairns when they detected the illegal catches.

Acting district operations officer Robert Hall said the heavy fines sent a strong message to the fishing industry.

“This should act as a deterrent not only to fishers but to the industry as a whole,” Mr Hall said.

“While most people do the right thing, there are still a few who disobey the law. The message is that those people who break the law will not be tolerated and will be treated accordingly.”

Mr Hall said the forfeiture of the unlawful catch was a further deterrent to people who tried to gain financially from illegal fishing activities.

“Fisheries regulations are in place for a reason and that is to protect and conserve fisheries resources,” he said.

“It is also important to remember that fisheries resources belong to the public, not just those with fishing interests.”

Any suspected illegal fishing activities should be reported to the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116.


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Further information: Robert Hall Ph: +61 7 4035 0700
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI&F Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23

[Lucky_Phill]

Why do the ' details' of this event NOT suprize me ?

Phill

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

court costs $63.20 ??!

Strewth that doesn't even buy a blank A4 letterhead sheet from our solicitor #;D

chris

oh yeah & that's if you pick it up yourself.

[clutter]

Should loose lisences as well.

Clutter