Wollongong's illegal Facebook fish ring bust: the covert sting after a public tip-off

Two Wollongong-area residents were fined after NSW Fisheries concluded a covert operation targeting online sales of illegal fish. The suspects, who did not hold commercial licenses, were observed line fishing and advertising the catch for sale on social media, with the fish later exchanged for payment at buyers’ homes. Investigators recorded about 22 kg of bonito and 4 kg of tailor sold across two separate occasions. Fines totaled $2,000, and authorities warned that black-market seafood jeopardizes consumer health and harms legitimate fisheries. The case followed a March tip-off and underscores ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal fishing, with Fisheries urging the public to report activity via Fisher Watch or 1800 043 536.