A woman has been fined more than $18,000 after authorities raided her Kiama bakery, seizing 120 abalone.
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A surveillance operation led fisheries officers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries Statewide Operations and Investigations Group to suspect the bakery was receiving the black market delicacy.
NSW DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully said the officers seized 120 abalone, including 95 that were of a prohibited size.
Hoa Le Thi Nguyen, 42, was charged with two offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1994: possessing more than the possession limit of abalone in circumstances of aggravation; and possession of prohibited size abalone in circumstances of aggravation.
She pleaded guilty in Port Kembla Local Court last month and was fined $8000 for each offence. The court also imposed a monetary penalty of $2028 – a sum calculated at twice the value of the abalone.
A male co-accused, Troy Andrew Tungai, is due to face Wollongong Local Court in connection with the matter on May 22, charged with 12 offences.
“The illegal abalone trade threatens the sustainability of this important recreational, commercial and culturally important species,” Mr Tully said.
“NSW DPI has produced a brochure to remind people and food retailers that possessing and/or trading in abalone can result in heavy fines, imprisonment and food safety concerns.
“Because abalone is considered a delicacy in certain countries, eventually we want to have this brochure translated into a range of languages.”
John Smythe from the Abalone Association of NSW said the association supported the ongoing work of the department to protect abalone stocks.
“Ongoing education is crucial to protecting our abalone resources and ensuring the safety of our community,” he said. “Illegal marketing and harvesting of undersized abalone depletes the sustainability of the state’s abalone resources, impacts the health and safety of consumers, and harms the livelihood of legitimate abalone divers and those dependent on the industry.”
Call the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or report illegal fishing activities or visit the NSW DPI website.