Crayfish and shad poachers nabbed in Southport and Hibberdene
A spear fisherman was caught with 29 crayfish – two of which were undersized and three in berry (carrying eggs).
Following numerous tip-offs and public complaints about ongoing crayfish and shad poaching along the South Coast, the Coastal Marine Task Force (CMTF) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) joined forces in a targeted operation to combat illegal fishing activities.
The operation began at Banana Beach near Southport, where officials arrived early on-site last Thursday to monitor local fishing activity.
On arrival, the team interacted with several fishermen. One individual fled the scene, while another was found using a live shad as bait, with an additional dead shad discovered in his cooler box.
A second fisherman landed a yellowtail amberjack illegally, also using a live shad as bait. Further inspection revealed two additional shad buried under his cooler box. Both fishermen were charged for being in possession of shad during the closed season and were issued fines at Southport police station. The shad were confiscated and recorded in the SAP13 register.
The team then followed up on information regarding crayfish poaching taking place along the N2. On arrival, they were approached by a seller attempting to trade crayfish. Once confronted by officials, the individuals discarded their catch and fled into nearby bush and residential areas. The crayfish were recovered and safely released back into the ocean.
Surveillance efforts continued along the R102 in Hibberdene, where officials noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near the beach. While investigating, a spear fisherman approached the car carrying a bag containing 29 crayfish – two of which were undersized and three found to be in berry (carrying eggs).
According to CMTF, the diver showed no remorse and was fully aware that the crayfish season had closed. His vehicle, spearfishing equipment, and apparatus were confiscated and impounded. The man was arrested and charged at Hibberdene police station.
All live crayfish were documented in the SAP13 register and later released at a remote beach site.
DFFE reminds the public that the East Coast rock lobster (Panulirus homarus) season runs from March 1 to October 31 each year.
The closed season – November 1 to the end of February protects breeding lobsters.
During the open season, the daily bag limit is eight per person.
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