Operation Rayon nets results
by Victorian Fisheries Authority 20 Jun 2018 22:15 UTC
9-11 June 2018
Operation Rayon - Port of Portland © Victorian Fisheries Authority
Operation Rayon was successfully conducted over the recent Queen's Birthday long weekend of June 9 – 11 with Fisheries officers reporting a high level of compliance.
Senior Fisheries Officer Charlie Cooper said the operation focused on anglers fishing for Southern Bluefin tuna out of the ports of Portland, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Apollo Bay.
More than 250 vessels fished out of the ports each day over the long-weekend providing a boost for the local regional economy.
"Approximately 350 fisheries and marine inspections were conducted by seven staff over the three day long-weekend.
Mr Cooper said 16 offences were detected resulting in ten infringement notices and six official warning being issued, as well as six Southern Bluefin tuna seized.
Mr Cooper said some people are choosing to fish without a current Recreational Fishing Licence, those found without a current RFL risk a fine and their catch being seized.
He congratulated anglers on their behaviour saying the overwhelming majority of people are doing the right thing and complying with licensing and catch limits.
Anyone with information relating to illegal fishing is encouraged to ring the illegal fishing reporting number on 13FISH (133474).