ON the opening weekend of the Murray cod season in NSW, DPI Fisheries Officers seized a number of fish and illegal fishing gear.
NSW DPI Fisheries Compliance Director, Glenn Tritton, said Operation DPI Alpha Mike 11 was conducted in the Hume, Riverina, South West Slopes and Far West Districts of the south west zone during the opening of the Murray cod season on 1 December.
“Five teams of NSW DPI Fisheries Officers targeted the Murray River between Howlong and Echuca, the Darling River from Wilcannia to Pooncarie, Edward River, Gulpa Creek, Billabong Creek, Wakool River, Niemur River as well as Lakes Mulwala, Blowering, Burrinjuck, Copago and Teryawynuia as part of Operation DPI Alpha Mike 11,” Tritton said.
“A total of 628 fishers were checked over the four days, including participants in the annual Mulwala Cod Classic, and Blowering Dam’s Hammy Cup, with 90 per cent of fishers found to be doing the right thing.
“A total of 38 penalty notices and 34 written cautions were issued for offences including failing to purchase and/or carry a recreational fishing licence, possess undersize fish, possess mutilated fish, possess illegal fishing gear and harm threatened species.”
Illegal fishing gear seized included 24 yabby traps, 11 fish traps, a gill net and 18 setlines. A number of undersized native and threatened fish species including trout cod, golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod were also uncovered.
To report illegal fishing, contact the Fishers’ Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536.
For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
