A COVERT operation carried out by NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Officers last week on the Lachlan River has detected a number of serious offences including the use of large illegal fish traps and using set lines. NSW DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer North West Zone, Jason Baldwin said good flows in the Lachlan River have led to increased fishing activity, but unfortunately some fishers were not sticking to the rules.
“Compliance issues persist in the Western Rivers with some fishers checked over the three day operation found to be not following the rules,” Mr Baldwin said.
“We seized a number of fish traps discovered in the rivers with one very large heavily constructed illegal trap brought back to base.
“The large steel trap was found in Booberoi Weir downstream of Kiacatoo and was over 2.5 metres long.
“These traps are banned in our freshwater rivers and creeks because they excerpt excess fishing pressure and are indiscriminate killers that can kill native fish as well as platypus, turtles and birds,” Mr Baldwin said.
Anyone caught using illegal traps in freshwater can face fines of up to $22,000 and six months imprisonment, or both.
Mr Baldwin said vessel and vehicle patrols were undertaken as part of the operation in locations including the Lachlan River, Lake Cargelligo, Lake Cowal and Four Mile Weir, Micabil Weir and Booberoi Weir, downstream of Condobolin.
“Anglers need to realise that the use of illegal setlines, fish traps and taking endangered species are serious offences and that considerable penalties apply,” Mr Baldwin said.
“They should also keep in mind that that we patrol these areas and use covert techniques to detect offences,” he said.
Offences detected included:
• One fisher at Four Mile Weir was fined $500 and issued a written caution after they were found in possession of three prohibited size Murray Cod and a number of excess lines.
• A fisher was apprehended and fined $1000 in Booberoi Weir for using 28 set lines, being in possession of four endangered eel tailed catfish and failure to have a fishing licence in possession. A written caution was issued for being in possession of a gaff.
• 28 setlines, four eel tailed catfish (mutilated – heads removed), an esky and the fish trap were seized by fisheries officers.
If people find a trap, they should leave the trap where it is, and call their local NSW DPI Fisheries Office or the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.
