By Goya Dmytryshchak
Two men have been arrested for allegedly buying and selling fish illegally in Hobsons Bay.
Investigators from the Victorian Fisheries Authority arrested the two on Wednesday and seized a boat and four-wheel-drive.
Statewide investigations manager Brooke Hall said a quantity of calamari squid was also seized after wholesale and retail premises were raided.
“We will allege an organised crime arrangement whereby one of the pair, who does not possess a commercial fishing licence, was catching calamari squid in Port Phillip and transporting them to a seafood business,” he said.
“We believe this was happening on a regular basis and that the fisher was paid cash upon delivery by the shop owner.
“Recreational fishers are not allowed sell their catch – only licensed commercial fishers can do that.”
Mr Hall said the fisher was facing charges of unlawfully taking fish for sale and possessing the proceeds of crime.
“Taking fish and unlawfully selling them into the retail chain undermines licensing arrangement for legitimate commercial fishers and puts their livelihoods at risk,” he said.
“Commercial fishers also comply with safe food handling practises so that seafood consumers are not put at risk.
“People acting as unlicensed commercial fishers are taking unregulated quantities of fish and have the potential to affect the sustainable management of Victoria’s valuable fisheries resources.”
He said the shop owner would be charged with receiving unlawfully-taken fish for sale and dealing in the proceeds of crime.
“Serious penalties apply including up to 10 years imprisonment, and the possible forfeiture of seized items,” Mr Hall said.
Fisheries investigtors urge anyone with information about unlawful trade in fish or other seafood to make a report, which can be done anonymously.
To report suspicious or illegal fishing activity, call 13FISH (133474) 24 hours.
