VIC
8289 posts
Geez cozy, seems a bit harsh to rejoice in the defeat of your local member after he didn't get back to you on your issue. wouldn't a face to face with your local copper or email to your parks ranger ( they're everywhere on the surf coast). or even a trip to the council to get the ball rolling. No , fair enough, your state member of parliament didn't get back to you so he's gone. Anyway, hope your happy. Now you've got a really excellent conservative government that really cares about the environment.
VIC
8025 posts
Awesome topic for some reactions !
I saw a fellow surfer walk right up to some "Asians" (1), and he was bold and loud, and asked them if they knew the bag limit, and size limit. They (the Asians) innocently decided they couldn't speak English !! Haha ! Kind of clever, kind of dumb....
Anyway, this guy said "well you can explain your lack of understanding to Fisheries when they arrive in about 10 minutes, because I've already called them".
They (the Asians) still pretended to "not understand", but it got them chatting to each other, and I'm sure they were wondering what to do next....
Sure enough, Fisheries were there in less than 10 minutes, in their Subaru Forester.
The Asians noticed Fisheries arrive, and just dumped their loot! I couldn't hang around to see the results unfortunately.....
Footnote 1 - not being racist, but they were "of Asian appearance"!
VIC
8025 posts
Other useful abalone info.
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/?a=50963
Recreational Abalone Open Days for Central Victorian Waters
There is a permanent closed season on the take of abalone from central Victorian waters, except for 60 nominated open days of the year.
The open days for 2010/11 are:
20 and 21 November 2010 inclusive (2 days)
27 and 28 November 2010 inclusive (2 days)
4 and 5 December 2010 inclusive (2 days)
11 and 12 December 2010 inclusive (2 days)
18 and 19 December 2010 inclusive (2 days)
25 December 2010 to 3 January 2011 (10 days)
8 and 9 January 2011 inclusive (2 days)
15 and 16 January 2011 inclusive (2 days)
22 to 23 January 2011 inclusive (2 days)
26 January 2011 (1 day)
29 and 30 January 2011 inclusive (2 days)
5 and 6 February 2011 inclusive (2 days)
12 and 13 February 2011 inclusive (2 days)
19 and 20 February 2011 inclusive (2 days)
26 and 27 February 2011 inclusive (2 days)
5 and 6 March 2011 inclusive (2 days)
12 to 14 March 2011 inclusive (3 days)
19 and 20 March 2011 inclusive (2 days)
26 and 27 March 2011 inclusive (2 days)
2 and 3 April 2011 inclusive (2 days)
9 and 10 April 2011 inclusive (2 days)
16 and17 April 2011 inclusive (2 days)
22 April 2011 to 25 April 2011 inclusive (4 days)
30 April 2011 and 1 May 2011 inclusive (2 days)
7 and 8 May 2011 inclusive (2 days)
Collection methods for abalone
You must carry a measuring device.
You must use a blunt instrument when taking abalone.
You must not use knives, screwdrivers or any sharp instrument that could cut the abalone.
You must not shuck abalone, or be in possession of shucked abalone, or land shucked abalone, in, under or on Victorian waters (you may only shuck abalone upon the place of consumption).
You can take abalone only between sunrise and sunset.
You must not fish for abalone in the intertidal zone (waters less than 2m deep).
Abalone must be measured prior to removal from its original location. Abalone must be measured at the widest part of the shell, regardless of whether the shell is whole or damaged.
Measuring devices and pocket guides of abalone regulations are available free of charge from the DPI Customer Service Centre, call 136 186.
VIC
8025 posts
It seems that you can't take abalone from the reefs anymore, PERIOD !!
You must not fish for abalone in the intertidal zone (waters less than 2m deep).
So it's diving and skin diving only now (??)
VIC
3982 posts
Seems the only way to make a quid from abalone is to sell diving gear to Asians (1)
Footnote 1 - see previous footnotes
3952 posts
Those regulations are like reading Dostoyevsky - no mention of bag limits. Last I remember the bag limit was 10, what's the bag limit now?
Is that in footnote 1?
VIC
195 posts
I think the bag limit is 10 Oliver, it was certainly that a few years ago unless it has changed. The Department of Fisheries regularly prosecute these matters and the penalties are quite sever.
You'll probably get more of a harsher sentence for abalone offences than assaulting/robbing someone! Fisheries can also ask the Court for forfeiture of all equipment used in the commission of the offence which includes dive gear, boats and vehicles etc. In the end, it can be a costly exercise for the poacher.
Good on that surfer for doing something about it!
Mick
