{"id":46000,"date":"2026-07-07T19:38:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/46000\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T19:38:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:38:25","slug":"illegal-underwater-act-soars-as-aussie-authorities-struggle-to-cope-taking-everything","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/46000\/","title":{"rendered":"Illegal underwater act soars as Aussie authorities struggle to cope: ‘Taking everything’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reefs and waterways in one Aussie state are being stripped of valuable marine life<\/a> as illegal fishing off the coast<\/a> reaches new depths.<\/p>\n

Poachers and recreational fishers<\/a> are reportedly cashing in on staff shortages within the Victorian Fisheries Authority. With less enforcement, ocean theft has allegedly soared.<\/a><\/p>\n

Abalone, in particular, is being targeted<\/a> in large numbers, with its illegal sales on the black market rising.<\/a><\/p>\n

The culinary delicacy can sell for over $100 a kilo<\/a> at fish markets, while dried abalone can retail for more than $ 1,000 per kilo.<\/p>\n

The daily catch limit is five, with fishers often caught smuggling dozens<\/a> and sometimes more.<\/p>\n

Local man Bob Manning, who has been diving for 50 years, said the legal abalone industry is on the verge of collapse.<\/p>\n

The waterways are being “pillaged” by illegal fishermen,<\/a> he told\u00a07News.<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you have a fishing story? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Rows<\/p>\n

A fisherman’s stash of abalone previously found by Victorian fisheries officers.<\/p>\n

Excessive abalone collection<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Fines can reach up to $20,000 if caught.<\/p>\n

RELATED<\/p>\n

Sue Alcock, CEO at Abalone Victoria, Central Zone, said poachers “take everything” including “the breeding stock”.<\/p>\n

“The issue with that is they’re not just taking product, they’re taking the next generation of abalone,” she told 7News.<\/p>\n

Money made through illegal fishing is reportedly being used to fund trafficking and other crimes.<\/p>\n

\"Left:<\/p>\n

Experienced diver Bob Manning and Sue Alcock, CEO at Abalone Victoria Central Zone say the illegal poaching of abalone has worsened.<\/p>\n

(7News)Limited fisheries officers across Victoria<\/p>\n

The fear now is that there aren’t enough fisheries officers to guard the beaches.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a07News, officer numbers across the state have dropped by two-thirds. As a result, non-compliance has surged to almost 17 per cent statewide.<\/p>\n

The Queenscliff catchment, including the Bellarine Peninsula, is the most impacted, followed by the Mornington Peninsula.<\/p>\n

But the state government reportedly disputes these claims, arguing “almost 90 per cent of recreational fishing is compliant”.<\/p>\n

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