Two men were apprehended on Phillip Island, Victoria, allegedly possessing 280 abalone, significantly exceeding the legal limit by 56 times. Fisheries enforcement officers intervened during the incident in Ventnor last night and reported finding a considerable quantity of abalone, much of which was undersized and ultimately perished.
Witness Kelly Ward described the scene, noting that there were “buckets and bags” before a large quantity of abalone was discovered lying on the ground. The law permits each individual to collect a maximum of five abalone, and the alleged offenders vastly surpassed this threshold.
The enforcement officers cornered the suspects at the end of Gap Road, highlighting the efforts of local authorities in combating poaching, which residents suggest is a recurring issue. Local fisher Wolfgang Putzner emphasised the importance of fisheries officers to the sustainability of the environment and local businesses.
The officers involved in this significant crackdown, however, face uncertainty as they are on the brink of potential job losses due to a restructuring plan by the state government affecting Fisheries Victoria. Victoria’s Deputy Opposition Leader, Sam Groth, criticized the government’s financial mismanagement, arguing it jeopardises vital fisheries enforcement roles.
While the government has yet to confirm any job cuts, it has mentioned plans to establish a new unit with additional resources if layoffs occur. The Phillip Island office is among those threatened by this restructuring, which poses concerns regarding the future of local fisheries management.