A SPEARFISHERMAN has been fined after killing a black rockcod on the NSW Mid-North Coast.
The black rockcod is listed as a threatened species under the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994, and fines up to $55,000 and/or one year imprisonment apply to anyone taking, harming or possessing any threatened species of fish.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said a fisheries officer observed the man spearfishing near Forster.
“The fisheries officer approached the 59 year old man and inspected his catch,” Tritton said.
“He was allegedly found to be in possession of one black rockcod which he had speared and killed.
“The fisheries officer seized the fish and issued the man a $1000 penalty notice.”
Adult Black Rockcod can grow up to two metres in length and at least 80 kilograms in weight, however, it is more common to see smaller fish up to a metre in length.
The species is slow-moving, curious and territorial which has made it vulnerable to overfishing in the past.
Tritton said it is important that all fishers learn to identify Black Rockcod and other threatened species prior to undertaking any fishing activity.
More information on black rockcod and other threatened and protected species can be found at: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.
