Fishers net big fines in Qld

Two men have been convicted and fined a total of $20,500 for separate fisheries offences in Bundaberg Magistrates Court.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) District Manager Greg Bowness said collectively the men were fined $20,500.

"A Thabeban man was convicted of selling illegal fish and crabs and fined $12,500," said Greg Bowness of the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP).

"QBFP executed a search warrant on the defendant's house finding 37 female mud crabs, 11 undersized male mud crabs, a quantity of frozen crabmeat and regulated finfish, including two grey mackerel, four dusky flathead, one king threadfin, one mulloway, three barred javelin and four silver javelin," he said.

In a separate matter, a Gympie man was convicted and fined $8,000 for catching sharks and removing their tails and fins.

"QBFP officers boarded a reef line vessel in Bundaberg port on October 29 last year finding 49 fins or tails that had been removed from sharks. The defendant admitted they were his," Mr Bowness said.

"Under Queensland legislation, anyone taking a shark fin must also retain the body of the shark whilst at sea. These rules are in place to act as a deterrent to targeting these animals for their fins alone.

"In sentencing, the Magistrate took into account the cruelty involved in the practice of shark finning," he said.

Mr Bowness said the convictions and fines should serve as a warning to fishers to stick to the rules.

"The rules are in place to protect Queensland's fishing industry and to ensure a sustainable fishery for future generations. I hope these penalties will serve as a future deterrent.

"People who suspect illegal fishing activities are urged to report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116."

For more information on fishing rules in Queensland, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.