Fishers set for illegal fishing fines

[Member]

Fishers set for illegal fishing fines
21 May 2013 - NSW DPI

Fishers are being reminded of their responsibilities when it comes to wetting a line, with a number being apprehended for allegedly using illegal fishing equipment in the State’s north west, Glenn Tritton, Director Fisheries Compliance, Fisheries NSW, said today.
“In the last few weeks, fisheries officers stationed at Inverell have intercepted three men in separate incidents, when they were allegedly found using destructive set lines and cast nets in inland rivers in the New England region,” Mr Tritton said.

“Set lines, also commonly referred to as ‘droppers’, have been prohibited in NSW for many years.

“This method of fishing is regarded as archaic and was banned in NSW to reduce the high level of destruction that was being inflicted on target and non target species.”

Setlines are baited hooks on lines that are attached to trees or snags along the waters edge, where many native fish seek refuge, and can cause devastating consequences.

“Most native fish caught in this manner die due to prolonged stress or predation and many become ‘gut-hooked”, which is almost always fatal,” Mr Tritton said.

“In one incident, two 33 year old men from Queensland, were intercepted on the Gwydir River near Pallamallawa on April 26.

“One of the men was found to be using 11 set lines rigged with stainless steel hooks and rubber rings.

“In this case the set lines were seized and the man issued with penalty notices totalling $600.

“The other man was found to have an illegal monofilament cast net in his possession.

“Fisheries officers seized the net and the man was issued with a $500 penalty notice.”

In a separate incident, a 57 year old man and a 31 year old man from Queensland were intercepted on the Macintyre River near Yetman, on April 28.

“Both men were allegedly seen by officers using 14 set lines, and the 57 year old man was also found to be in possession of a further three set lines and a prohibited size Murray cod, measuring 51cm.” Mr Tritton said.

“All of the set lines and the Murray cod were seized.

“The 57 year old man was issued with penalty notices totalling $1000 and the 31 year old man was issued with penalty notices totalling $600.

“The minimum size for Murray cod in NSW is 60cm and it is totally prohibited to use or even possess cast nets.

“Setlining is banned for a reason – it can have devastating consequences on our native fish populations.

“Fisheries NSW will continue to patrol our waterways for evidence of this barbaric and illegal fishing method.”

Anyone with information about illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536