25 November 2008

Investigations are underway into a recreational fishing vessel in northern Queensland after a search revealed it contained quantities of seafood, animal products and firearms.

Intelligence gathered by marine management agencies, and information supplied, led to the investigation.

Aerial surveillance detected the recreational vessel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park near Lizard Island and it was searched at this location.

The search allegedly revealed more than 20 types of illegal product including a five-inch mesh commercial gill net and large quantities of seafood, crocodile meat, barramundi fillets, and crocodile bones and skin.

This was part of a multi-agency operation by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency and Queensland Police.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Field Management Director Mick Bishop said this was one of the largest amounts of illegal product allegedly found on a recreational fishing vessel in recent times.

“This operation was the result of combined intelligence information gathered by the agencies involved and was coordinated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s investigative compliance team,” he said.

“The quantities of seafood were well above the designated bag limits for recreational fishers. Crocodiles are a protected species in Queensland.

“Illegal fishing undermines the efforts of those fishers who are following the rules, is not sustainable, and can have a detrimental effect on the entire marine environment.

 “It is great to see marine management and enforcement agencies are working together to detect and stop illegal activity in the World-Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.”

Investigations are continuing and the matter is expected to be heard in the Cooktown Magistrates Court next month.

Illegal fishing can be reported to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on (07) 4726 0510 (business hours) and (07) 3830 8246 (after hours).