Victorian couple fined $7000 after VFA catches them selling recreationally caught seafood to Melbourne restaurant
A pair of recreational fishers have been slapped with thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees after they were busted selling their catch to a Melbourne restaurant.
The Victorian couple, aged in their 60s, had been fishing for squid and tailor at Queenscliff and Lakes Entrance.
They claimed to be recreational anglers, but supplied their haul to a restaurant in Melbourne’s west.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.However, only licensed commercial fishers are legally permitted to sell their catch.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) officers found the fish individually wrapped at the restaurant and seized them.
The VFA alleged the couple fished frequently, then sold small amounts in an organised and calculated manner to avoid detection.
The couple were convicted in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court for breaching Victoria’s recreational fishing laws and fined $7000, ordered to pay $5000 in legal costs and had their fishing gear and $1370 cash confiscated.
The man was also banned from fishing for five years.
