NSW DPI Fisheries Officers are reminding fishers that it is illegal to pick up fishing gear that’s not theirs.
Not only is it illegal, it could be dangerous. Fisheries officers have encountered fish hooks set into ropes of set fishing gear, on a number of occasions over the past year. Some of this fishing gear was marked as crab traps.
The most recent encounter was on the Hastings River and involved one unmarked and one marked crab trap. The hooks were set into the rope and had been there for some time.
NSW DPI strongly advises fishers not to ‘man’ trap their set fishing gear. You could cause injury to a person who has a lawful reason to inspect the fishing gear and that could see the Police getting involved.
Remember, if it’s not your fishing gear, don’t touch it!
For more information on current the fishing rules, click HERE.
