VMS Satellite System Winner In Detecting Illegal Fishing Activities

November 29, 2002

The hi-tech VMS satellite system has proved the key to the successful detection and apprehension of a prawn trawl operator illegally fishing in closed waters between North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island.

The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) used the system to track the trawler which was illegally fishing within the Amity Bight closure.

The master of the “Baltic Amber” pleaded guilty and was subsequently fined $3,000 with no conviction recorded in the Cleveland Magistrates Court

QBFP field officer Graham Shield said the VMS system remained an important tool in detecting illegal fishing operations.

Mr Shield said by law, all T1 license holders who were those fishing on Queensland’s east coast, must be fitted with a VMS system.

“Boats equipped with the VMS technology can be tracked via satellite up and down the coast and their positions are polled by satellite on a regular basis,” he said.

“When fishing vessels enter a closed zone the information is relayed to a patrol office through a computer system and informs fisheries officers of the vessel’s location.

“Officers will then take the appropriate action in an attempt to apprehend the offender.”

Mr Shield said fishing zones closed to prawn trawling played an important role in maintaining the sustainability of prawn stocks in Queensland waters.

“These zones act as a nursery for juvenile prawns, which if left untouched, allow prawn stocks to mature and then move into areas where they can be legally caught,” he said.

“Amity Bight closure is regarded as an important closed zone for these important environmental reasons.”

Mr Shield said fishing in a closed zone was a serious fisheries offence and fines of up to $75,000 could apply. Offenders could also have their licenses suspended or cancelled if caught in a closed zone.

Any suspected illegal fishing activities can be reported to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 117 116.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Q 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Graham Shield (07) 3860 3503
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

More Press Releases here: