Abalone poaching surges after fisheries job cuts
Abalone poaching has surged in Victoria's coastal waters following mass job cuts that reduced fisheries officers from 26 to just eight statewide. Non-compliance with fisheries laws has jumped to almost 17% since the sackings, with experienced divers warning the legal abalone industry is on the verge of collapse as poachers steal undersized and breeding stock. The government disputes the figures, claiming 90% compliance and doubled convictions, but New South Wales experts warn Victoria faces the same industry devastation they've experienced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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