The tuna industry is reminding all fishers to keep a look out on the farms after a blatant example of theft of tuna last week that appears to be a well-planned crime by thieves wanting to sell the valuable fish.
Industry research officer David Ellis said employees from one company in Port Lincoln, Australia on last Friday while inspecting a pontoon became aware that it had been tampered with and there was evidence of blood from an unknown number fish being slaughtered.
The industry is making follow-up inquiries but believes people specifically wanting to steal tuna rather than opportunistic recreational fishers may have done the theft.
A description of a vessel was obtained and this would be forwarded to police.
â€We want people to know that it is illegal to steal fish from pontoons and we are checking with restaurants and fish distributors around the country,†Mr. Ellis said.
Recreational fishers are being asked to help protect the valuable resource by noting and reporting any vessels at unattended farms or that are not following the protocol.