CAUGHT (beware).

[pescados 1]

From this weeks Messenger:TWO men have been fined $1100 each in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court for taking snapper out of season.Vasillios Viv1ios, 37,of Flinders Park, and Haralampos Vivlios, 67, of West Lakes, also had their fishing and navigation equipment confiscated.In November 2008, Fisheries inspectors found 13 large snapper in their boat, 10 of which were concealed in an undercovercompartment hidden by a blanket.An annual snapper fishing closure is in force each November.Central South Regional Fisheries manager Randel Donovan hoped the penalty would act as a deterrent to others."The penalties imposed are indicative of how seriously this type of offending is viewed by the courts," he said.Mr Donovan said the fishing closure was in place to ensure the longterm health of the snapper fishery.

[coonta kinta 1]

pescados wrote:

Central South Regional Fisheries manager Randel Donovan hoped the penalty would act as a deterrent to others."The penalties imposed are indicative of how seriously this type of offending is viewed by the courts," he said.

Pfft What load of crap. If they were trully serious the fine would have been higher by at least 10x that amount as well as the confiscations mentioned.I was of the belief that the maximum penalty was $20,000 for taking snapper out of season so why only fine each offender less than a 10th of that penalty.If the courts view this offence as being serious then the penalties should reflect that and in my opinion this penalty does not do that.

[DoRi_34 0]

I don't want to sound dumb, but when is the snapper ban? and is it just in the spencer gulf?what about wallaroo areas and so on.regards

[coonta kinta 1]

Snapper (Pagrus auratus) All South Australian waters From 12 midday 1 November to 12 midday 30 November. Any snapper accidentally caught during the closed season must be returned to the water immediately. Taken from herehttp://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/closures/seasonal_closures

[doodlebug73 51]

Last time I checked 13 large snapper was above bag limit as well. Piss poor, should have been a lot more for the fine

[SandyWhiting 0]

Bloody dickheads

[Guest undertaker]

Agree with CK......that is a "piss poor" effort by the courts.Obviously flaunting the Law,by going to the effort to conceal their illegal catch,then putting a blanket over to try and conceal that as well.They've obviously done it before,and at $1100 each,they'll no doubt,do it again.Perhaps they "don't undertsand the language" Unfortunately,the only language they understand,always has a "$" in front of it.......

[SPY 0]

should take all there gear including the boat might make them think twice before they do it again!!!! :evil: people like that give us fishos a bad rep!! lets hope we dont meet these people at the ramp hard to drive with flat tyres