Two Newcastle restaurants have been found in possession of black market Lobsters in two separate raids in December 2017 and February 2018.
Both restaurants face possible charges after Hunter Fisheries officers seized 45 Eastern Rock Lobsters at premises in Newcastle and Adamstown.
The Newcastle venue was found in possession of 16 live and 12 frozen lobsters. The Adamstown restaurant has 17 lobsters seized; one frozen, and two of a prohibited size.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Director Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully says it’s illegal to sell any recreationally caught fish.
“All of the live lobsters were returned to the water. The frozen lobsters were retained as evidence,” said Mr Tully.
“Black marketing seafood presents a food safety risk, especially restaurants selling seafood with unknown hygiene background,” he said.
One restaurant could now face possible charges of trafficking fish, carrying a hefty penalty of a maximum 10-years jail.
The other, is facing possible charges of possession of a priority species which has a maximum fine of $44,000 and a 12-month jail term.
This incident follows the seizure of 40 Eastern Rock Lobsters from a commercial fisherman in the Hunter region last month.
