NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) fisheries compliance director Glenn Tritton said the 36-year-old Batemans Bay man was apprehended during a compliance operation targeting an illegal abalone syndicate.

“Members of the Statewide Operations and Investigation Group, with assistance from Montague district Fisheries Officers, apprehended the man following a period of surveillance,” Mr Tritton said.

“When approached in bushland, the man attempted to avoid detection and was located hiding up in a tree.

“It is alleged that he was in possession of 161 shucked blacklip abalone, 159 more than the legal limit of two per person in NSW.

“He will face a charge of traffic in an indictable species of fish, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, possess more than maximum quantity of fish (in circumstances of aggravation), which carries a maximum fine $88,000 and/or 18 months imprisonment for a second or subsequent offence and possessing shucked abalone at unauthorised premises, which carries a maximum fine of $5500.

“Courts now also have the option to impose additional monetary penalties of up to 10 times the market value of the abalone.”

Mr Tritton said abalone is now listed as a priority and indictable species under the Fisheries Management Act.

“This apprehension sends a clear message to would-be abalone thieves that their actions will not be tolerated and repeat offenders should be aware that if you are caught stealing abalone, the punishment will be severe,” he said.

“Fisheries Officers will continue to conduct strategic abalone compliance operations across NSW to target those involved in illegal abalone theft and bring them before the courts.”

Information concerning illegal abalone activity can be reported to the NSW Fisheries Statewide Operations and Investigation Group on 6499 8000.