A RECENT compliance operation targeting fishers retaining prohibited size kingfish in the Sydney region, has resulted in the apprehension of a number of fishers and the seizure of many undersize fish.
“The operation was conducted last month by DPI fisheries officers in the Sydney North District after receiving information that there was allegedly a number of prohibited size Yellowtail Kingfish being caught by recreational and commercial fishers,” said Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Supervising Fisheries Officer, Chris Clarke.
“Yellowtail kingfish are a highly valuable recreational and commercial species and are listed as a ‘priority’ species under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Fishing in and around Sydney is currently very good, with lots of yellowtail kingfish being caught.
“The operation targeted fishers in Middle Harbour, Pittwater, Sydney Harbour and Blackwattle Bay and resulted in the apprehension of three commercial fishers and four recreational fishers and the seizure of 35 prohibited size kingfish, between 48.6cm and 64.3cms in length.”
The minimum legal length for yellowtail kingfish in NSW is 65cm and the possession or bag limit is five per person.
“Ten separate offences were detected including possess and sell prohibited size fish as well as the Master of a boat being fined for allowing an offence to take place. The Master of a boat commits an offence if they allow another person on the boat to commit a serious fisheries offence,” said Clarke.
The offenders are expected to face fines of $500 per person per offence.
All information relating to bag and size limits can be found on the NSW Fisheries website at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries
