Fisherman to the stars on poaching charges THE fisherman of choice for many of Australia's highly rated restaurants is facing charges of illegally trafficking and processing abalone and lobster in Tasmania. Dubbed the "fisherman to the stars," Mark Eather has supplied seafood to high-profile chefs such as Shannon Bennett, Neil Perry and Kylie Kwong. Eather, 53, operates boats in several parts of Australia and has been championed for his sustainable fishing techniques. He uses the Japanese fishing method of Iki jime, a spike to the brain which causes immediate death and is said to result in better quality. Eather is to appear in court next month along with a 68-year-old woman who has been charged with processing fish without a licence and possessing excess rock lobster and abalone. He was due to appear with Ms Kwong at a $200-a-head dinner at Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art tonight organised by Environment Tasmania. Eather was supplying seafood for the showcase of sustainable Tasmanian produce and fundraiser. Environment Tasmania's marine coordinator, Rebecca Hubbard, who confirmed abalone and rock lobster were not on the menu, stated the organisation was standing by Eather. A media call featuring Eather and Ms Kwong was cancelled today after the charges came to light, but Ms Hubbard said Ms Kwong and the other chefs were happy to continue with the dinner. On her website, Ms Kwong describes Eather as a "fisherman extraordinaire."