Report of Poaching Pays Off

Thanks to the swift reporting by a member of the public last month, the lives of two giant freshwater crayfish have been saved. As a result of the report, which detailed someone behaving suspiciously at an inland water in the North West of the State, the alleged offender, who was found in possession of the live crayfish, was interviewed for the purpose of prosecution.

Tasmania’s giant freshwater crayfish (Astocopsis gouldi) is one of the largest freshwater invertebrates in the world, with past records of crayfish weighing up to 6 kg. They occur naturally in rivers in northern Tasmania but these populations have declined significantly over the past twenty years due to habitat loss and a long history of traditional fishing.

As a result of its conservation status, Astacopsis gouldi is listed as vulnerable under State and Commonwealth threatened species legislation and it is wholly protected under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995. It is illegal to fish for or to be in possession of giant freshwater crayfish without a permit. The maximum fine is $12,000.

The Inland Fisheries Service is extremely grateful to the concerned person who observed the suspicious activity and reported the sighting. It enabled compliance staff to seek the assistance of the Parks and Wildlife Service in investigating the matter immediately with back up by Tasmania Police. The quick action by these officers resulted in the apprehension of the alleged offender and the release of the two crayfish, as well as the collection of evidence for prosecution.

Help stamp out poaching and other unwanted behavior around our waterways, including vandalism, littering and illegal fishing activities. Collect details to help identify offenders and report this information immediately to the Service on 1300 INFISH during business hours or after hours to the inspector on duty on 0438 338530, or to Bushwatch on 1800 333 000 or to your local police.