FISHERIES officers in north western NSW have again detected multiple offences of non-compliance during the winter school holidays, resulting in the issuing of penalty notices totalling over $11,000.
Department of Primary Industries Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said many people took the opportunity to take a holiday in the region, but failed to follow the rules when out fishing.
“A number of people were apprehended for illegal fishing activity in the north west of the State, including along the Macintyre, Barwon, Gwydir and Namoi Rivers,” Andrews said.
“Recreational fishers need to remember that use of illegal fishing gear such as set lines, cast nets and drag nets is not permitted in NSW inland waterways.
“Several men were apprehended on the Barwon River near Collarenebri for illegally using and possessing a total of 77 set lines, which were used to catch golden perch. The men were issued with penalty notices totalling $5,900.
“In a separate incident, a Queensland man was found in possession of a cast net and a 15 metre long drag net, both of which are illegal to use and possess in NSW. The man was issued penalty notices totalling $1,000.”
Andrews said a number of other people were apprehended for the illegal possession and use of prohibited fishing gear, known to pose a significant threat to native fish populations and other protected fauna in river systems.
A maximum of two attended fishing lines are permitted in inland waters, which must be within 50 metres of each other and in line of sight of the person using them.
The maximum penalty associated with the use and possession of illegal fishing gear such as drag nets and cast nets is $22,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. The maximum penalty for the use of set lines range from $5,500 to $11,000.
Fishers can purchase a NSW recreational fishing licence fee, and download a copy of the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au. Anyone with any information about suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536 which is a 24/7 automated service or online.
