A VESSEL seized from a fisherman caught selling redclaw on the black market will be displayed across south-east Queensland boat ramps as a warning to other anglers.
A Queensland Boating and Fisheries spokesman said patrol officers had intercepted the Kuraby fisherman delivering almost 200 redclaw to a Sunnybank restaurant in March.
The man had his vessel forfeited by the state and was fined $7,600 after pleading guilty to five charges including selling without a licence and using in 78 excess and unmarked freshwater traps.
The spokesman said more than 133-kilograms of redclaw, 82 freshwater traps, a 4.5 metre catamaran and a kayak were seized at Somerset Dam and Brisbane during the investigation.
The restaurant’s manager, who said he bought the reclaw for a staff party and did not intend to sell it, was also fined $1000 after pleading guilty to one count of selling seafood without an authority.
Fisheries Minister Mark Furner welcomed the court prosecution as the Queensland Government moved to strengthen fisheries laws.
“Unlicensed selling of fisheries resources undermines the legitimate commercial fishing industry and threatens Queensland’s reputation as a producer of high quality seafood,” he said.
“Reforms currently before parliament are aimed squarely at fishers who illegally sell seafood on the black market, including stronger compliance powers for fisheries officers and higher penalties for offenders.”
The forfeited vessel will be displayed at south-east Queensland boat ramps throughout the next month, including at Manly Harbour on Saturday, December 29 and Sunday, December 30.
