TWO fishers who illegally took lobsters from Batemans Marine Park have been ordered to collectively pay almost $30,000 in fines and court costs.
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The men faced court earlier this year after being found in illegal possession of eastern rock lobsters and threatening fisheries officers.
The two men, aged 20 and 23, attempted to escape officers by reversing their vehicle 200 metres up a busy street, nearly hitting a fisheries officer before being stopped.
One man fled the scene with a catch bag of 11 lobsters, five of which were undersize.
Fisheries officers recovered and seized the lobsters, as well as the motor vehicle and dive gear.
A Fisheries spokeswoman said the two men faced Moruya Local Court, pled guilty and were convicted of a number of offences including possess more than the possession limit of lobsters, possess prohibited size lobsters, obstructing a fisheries officer in the exercise of functions and assaulting a fisheries officer.
“The 20-year-old man was required to pay over $12,000 in fines and courts costs, and the 23 year-old man must pay $8400 in fines,” the spokeswoman said.
“The Magistrate also ordered forfeiture of the seized motor vehicle, at a cost of $2000 to the 23-year-old, as this provided the strongest deterrent against this activity happening again.”
She said the 20-year old, from Broulee, was also convicted for an earlier offence relating to possessing a spear gun in a sanctuary zone, spearing a groper and obstructing fisheries officers, receiving a further $5200 in fines and court costs.
“Anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing activity is encouraged to call the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 056 or report online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.”