Four young men in the South Coast of NSW face jail charges after being found with 185 shucked abalone.

The men aged between 18 and 22 were seen by fisheries officers diving in Loves Bay, NSW.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Compliance Director, Glenn Tritton said,

“The men will be charged with possession of more than maximum quantity for fish (in circumstances of aggravation) which carries a maximum fine $44,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for a first offence, possession of fish taken contrary to fishing closure which carries a maximum penalty $22,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for a first offence and possession of shucked abalone which carries a maximum penalty $5,500.”

Furthermore, the trio will be charged $2,200 for failing to pay the recreational fishing fee.

This serves as a healthy reminder to keep an eye on your bag limits while you’re out enjoying the fishing.