Reefs and waterways in one Aussie state are being stripped of valuable marine life as illegal fishing off the coast reaches new depths.
Poachers and recreational fishers are reportedly cashing in on staff shortages within the Victorian Fisheries Authority. With less enforcement, ocean theft has allegedly soared.
Abalone, in particular, is being targeted in large numbers, with its illegal sales on the black market rising.
The culinary delicacy can sell for over $100 a kilo at fish markets, while dried abalone can retail for more than $ 1,000 per kilo.
The daily catch limit is five, with fishers often caught smuggling dozens and sometimes more.
Local man Bob Manning, who has been diving for 50 years, said the legal abalone industry is on the verge of collapse.
The waterways are being “pillaged” by illegal fishermen, he told 7News.
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A fisherman’s stash of abalone previously found by Victorian fisheries officers.
Excessive abalone collection and its illegal sale on the black market threaten the sustainability of wild populations, undermine legitimate commercial fishers, and compromise food safety standards for consumers.
Fines can reach up to $20,000 if caught.
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Sue Alcock, CEO at Abalone Victoria, Central Zone, said poachers “take everything” including “the breeding stock”.
“The issue with that is they’re not just taking product, they’re taking the next generation of abalone,” she told 7News.
Money made through illegal fishing is reportedly being used to fund trafficking and other crimes.
Experienced diver Bob Manning and Sue Alcock, CEO at Abalone Victoria Central Zone say the illegal poaching of abalone has worsened.
(7News)Limited fisheries officers across Victoria
The fear now is that there aren’t enough fisheries officers to guard the beaches.
According to 7News, officer numbers across the state have dropped by two-thirds. As a result, non-compliance has surged to almost 17 per cent statewide.
The Queenscliff catchment, including the Bellarine Peninsula, is the most impacted, followed by the Mornington Peninsula.
But the state government reportedly disputes these claims, arguing “almost 90 per cent of recreational fishing is compliant”.
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