Seven men arrested for Mornington abalone haul

Seven men allegedly involved in an abalone poaching syndicate were arrested by Fisheries Officers and Victoria Police last week.

Mornington Officers observed two men, one of which was known to them for previous alleged abalone offences, allegedly taking abalone at Fossil Beach.

Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Education and Enforcement Ian Parks said the men were searched and apprehended after one of the alleged offenders attempted to flee but was caught and arrested.

“During the search, the two men were allegedly found in possession of a commercial quantity of abalone, including 126 blacklip abalone (76 undersize) and one undersize greenlip abalone,” Mr Parks said.

All abalone were returned to the water and the vehicle and dive equipment were seized.

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