A COMMERCIAL fisher has been fined $1800 in the Cleveland Magistrates Court for obstruction of a uniformed fisheries officer.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) Redlands field officer James Hohenhaus said officers were undertaking routine patrol duties between Pannikin and Long islands in August last year.
“Officers approached a commercial fishing vessel for the purpose of undertaking a routine inspection of the vessels catch,” he said.
“The person in charge of the vessel however, stated that one particular officer could not get on board but that the other officer could, and blocked him from boarding.”
The field officer said fisheries officers had powers under the Fisheries Act 1994 to search and inspect a vessels catch.
“This is a reminder that any person who obstructs an officer or threatens an officer doing their duty can and will be prosecuted,” he said.
“After continually refusing to allow the officer to safely board the vessel and threatening the officer, the man was charged with obstruction.
“It’s important that everyone abides by the rules as fisheries officers carry out the important task of protecting the state’s fisheries stocks from exploitation,” said Mr Hohenhaus.
Suspected illegal fishing can be reported to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
For information on fishing rules, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
