Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on February 21, 2014, 08:57:41 PM
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Illegal fishing lands offenders with large fines in court
21 Feb 2014 - NSW Fisheries
A man has learnt an expensive lesson after being caught in possession of a threatened fish species in the NSW Riverina, Department of Primary Industries Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said today.
The man was caught by DPI fisheries officers during a routine patrol of the Murrumbidgee River at Berembed Weir near Grong Grong in April last year.
“During the patrol, fisheries officers inspected a camp with six rods set from the bank into the Murrumbidgee River,” Mr Tritton said.
“Three men were in the camp and a check of the keeper net revealed a trout cod which is a threatened species and a prohibited size Murray cod, along with two carp.
“Trout cod are a threatened species and should be returned to the water immediately if caught.
“The Murray cod measured 41.5cm in length. The minimum legal length for Murray cod is 60cm.
“One of the men, a 51 year old from Griffith admitted to catching the two fish and putting them into the keeper net.
“The fish were seized and returned to the water alive.
“The man was issued with two penalty notices totalling $1,000 but elected to have the matter heard in court.
“He faced Narrandera Local Court last month where he pleaded guilty and was convicted and fined $1,320 plus instructed to pay $660 in professional costs, a total of $1,980.
“The DPI takes illegal fishing very seriously and offenders will be prosecuted.”