Court in the Act - Offences and Penalties

The Fisheries compliance team work all year round to assist the public to fish responsibly, but when the fishing rules (designed to keep our fisheries healthy) are ignored, fishers will find themselves in court.

The Fish Resources Management Act 1994 provides for mandatory penalties (10 times the commercial value of the catch) for protected species such as rock lobster, marron, abalone and certain finfish but magistrates can use their discretion with other fines and penalties, such as confiscating gear.

The Executive Director of the Department of Fisheries can cancel fishing licences - a serious matter for commercial fishers.