Tasmania Police will be out in force this weekend for the commencement of the recreational rock lobster fishing season for 2012/13.  Under the state’s marine laws the first crayfish pots can be pulled after midnight on Saturday, 3 November 2012.

Marine and Uniform Police will be deployed in popular fishing areas around the state to check vessels at boat ramps and on the water to ensure compliance with bag and possession limits.

People are reminded in respect to rock lobster fishing that different rules apply according to which region you are in, as follows:

People found breaching these limits or any other rules may find themselves subject to prosecution and hefty penalties, as was demonstrated in a case recently heard in the Hobart Magistrate’s Court.

On 3 October 2012, two Triabunna fishermen were convicted of marine-related offences arising out of a fishing trip that took place on Christmas Eve last year.  The men were found guilty of several offences including:

• Removing fish from apparatus
• Interfering with fishing apparatus
• Using more than 1 rock lobster pot
• Taking more than 3 rock lobster
• Possessing more than 6 rock lobster in the Eastern Region
• Possessing undersize male and female rock lobster

The total amount in fines and special penalties handed down to the two men was $13,740.