The seizure of a boat at St Leonards and the apprehension of three men alleged to have taken more than their daily bag limit of King George whiting has led to an ongoing investigation into a Carlton restaurant.
Director of Education and Enforcement at the Victorian Fisheries Authority Ian Parks said the three men were observed relaunching their fibreglass boat after already catching a quantity of whiting.
“The three men returned to the boat ramp in the early evening and were intercepted by Fisheries officers a short time later, back at the nearby house, where they presented a quantity of whiting for inspection,” Mr Parks said.
“Enquiries saw more whiting produced from the house and confirmed as catch from that day. In total, the three men had allegedly taken 68 whiting over two trips on the same day, with one allegedly catching 38. The daily bag limit for King George whiting is 20 per person.
“All fish, fishing gear and the boat were seized on the spot.
“Recreational fishers are reminded that bag limits are personal, you can’t catch fish on behalf of others, and it is illegal to sell your catch.”
Subsequent investigation led to a Lygon Street restaurant in Carlton, where 25kg of whiting and 58kg of calamari were allegedly uncovered and seized by Fisheries officers.
“The proprietor and company associated with the restaurant will face charges relating to the sale of recreationally taken fish, providing false documents and information, and other significant offences under the Fisheries Act,” Mr Parks said.
“A seafood wholesaler will also face charges relating to the creation of a false document connected to the whiting.”
