Leopold man accused of illegally selling fish to restaurants

FISHERIES officers have seized a $40,000 boat from a Leopold man for allegedly taking fish from Port Phillip Bay and selling them to restaurants and takeaway stores over many months.

Officers allege the man caught King George whiting and calamari on multiple occasions around Queenscliff.

Victorian Fisheries Authority enforcement and education director Ian Parks said the man allegedly abided by daily catch limits to avoid detection.

“However, subsequent surveillance and investigations by Fisheries Officers revealed he was allegedly selling the fish to several retail outlets including restaurants and takeaway food shops,” Mr Parks said

“Those establishments will face enforcement action too, including referral to food safety regulators.”

Mr Parks said Fisheries officers seized the man’s boat, fish, a sum of cash, mobile phone and fishing equipment used in the alleged offending.

“The man will face the Geelong Magistrates Court in coming months on numerous charges of taking fish for sale,” he said.

“A retention order was also placed on his car given it was allegedly used to deliver fish for sale.”

Mr Parks said businesses that bought fish without documentation that shows a lawful source face on-the-spot fines of $900, prosecution and potentially court orders prohibiting them from dealing in seafood.

He urged recreational fishers to remember that selling fish they have caught is illegal.

The man was detected as part of Operation Maple, which has targeted the sale of recreationally caught fish.

“Only licensed commercial fishers are authorised to sell their catch,” Mr Parks said.

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing is urged to call the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s 24/7 reporting line, 13 FISH (13 3474).