TWO commercial fishers have been fined and a meshing net over 1000m long seized as a result of targeted patrols by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) fisheries officers on the State’s Mid-North Coast.
NSW DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said that these targeted patrols, some based on reports from the public, focussed on uncovering and detecting the unlawful use of commercial meshing nets in Wallis Lakes.
“Two commercial fishers were allegedly found unlawfully using nets and possessing illegally taken fish,” Tritton said.
“Two meshing nets of 1045 metres and 373 metres in length were seized along with over 110 kilograms of fish, including dusky flathead, yellowfin bream and sand whiting.
“Most of the fish were returned to the water alive and the seized meshing nets, worth about $5,000, will be retained by the Department.”
Offences detected in Wallis Lake District as part of the operation include:
· A 35 year old commercial fisher from Tuncurry was fined $500 for the unlawful use of a net
· A 31 year old commercial fisher from Nabiac was fined a total of $1000 for unlawful use of a net and possessing illegally taken fish.
Tritton said that fisheries officers regularly conduct overt and covert patrols across NSW to detect and deter this kind of illegal fishing activity.
“The use of meshing nets by commercial fishers is subject to a range of strict guidelines that determine areas and methods of use and size limitations,” he said.
“Individuals face a maximum fine of $22,000 for the unlawful use of nets and $22,000 for the possession of illegally taken fish, while both offences can also result in six months imprisonment. This penalty is doubled for second or subsequent offences.
In related news, over the Easter long weekend NSW DPI fisheries officers across inland NSW issued 83 penalty notices resulting from the detection of 160 offences.
“More than 1,350 fishers throughout inland NSW were checked by fisheries officers over the four day long weekend,” Glenn Tritton said.
“Overall most fishers were found to be enjoying their weekend’s fishing responsibly, however unfortunately there were some found not to be following the rules.
“Fisheries officers issued 83 penalty notices ranging from $75 to $500 for a variety of alleged offences including failure to hold a fishing licence, leaving handlines unattended, use of illegal fishing equipment and possession of fish illegally taken.
“A range of illegal gear was seized including yabby traps, hoop nets and setlines.
“In the Warren area two separate groups were found with 18 unattended lines. Fines of $500 for possession of excess lines and $100 for leaving handlines unattended were issued to those involved.”
Waterways patrolled over the weekend included the Murray River, Darling River, Gwydir River, Mehi River, Namoi River, Cox’s River, Macquarie River, Wallace Lake, Ben Chifley Dam, Windamere Dam, Burrendong Dam, Lachlan River, Lake Mulwala, Burrinjuck and Blowering Dams and the Snowy Mountains.
Anyone who witnesses illegal fishing activity should report it immediately to the Fishers’
Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536 or their local fisheries office.
