TWO men have been fined a total of $5200 for a number of offences arising from the illegal trapping and possession of Murray crayfish on the Murray River.
The two men, who were apprehended by NSW DPI Fisheries officers following a surveillance operation, pleaded guilty to six charges relating to the unlawful use of a wire trap to take 27 Murray crayfish, including 20 prohibited size crayfish and 6 crayfish carrying ova.
Murray crayfish are listed as a threatened species, and may only be taken by the use of up to five hoop nets per person from specified waters between June and August (inclusive).
The daily bag limit is two per person within a 10-12 cm size bracket (measured from the rear of the eye socket to the centre of the carapace). Any Murray crayfish carrying eggs externally or accidentally taken in the closed season must be immediately returned to the water.
All 27 Murray crayfish were successfully returned to the water alive by Fisheries Officers.
To report suspected illegal fishing activity call Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536 or report it online at the DPI Fisheries website.
