Acting on information from members of the public, NSWDPI Fisheries officers apprehended two men on Tuesday, January 22 at Manyana. 

It is alleged that one man was found in possession of 35 abalone, while the other man was found with 34, with all the abalone found to be of a prohibited size, a NSW DPI spokesperson said.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous said the two men looked out of place with a bib and brace, while diving off the reef at a spot known as Dulcie’s, around from Manyana Beach.

“They were really having a go at the reef,” he said.

The resident watched the men for about an hour and noticed they had “big netted bags” they were allegedly filling with something from the water.

He phoned the Fishers Watch Phoneline and left a recording. Rangers returned the call within five minutes and were on scene about 5pm.

The resident praised the live recording system and encouraged coastal residents to be vigilant. He said when he found out they had undersized abalone it made his “blood boil”.

 All the abalone was returned to the water alive. 

Investigations are continuing.

The recreational possession limit for abalone in NSW is two per person. The legal minimum size limit for abalone in NSW is 11.7cm. 

 To report illegal fishing contact the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1300 043 536 or make a report online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/report-illegal-activity