Finnis River Blitz

[Member]

Fisheries Compliance Operation 9 March 2013
[ 12/03/2013 ]


Over the weekend Water Police, in their capacity as Fisheries Officers, conducted patrols of the Finnis River area and conducted fisheries compliance and marine safety inspections on recreational and commercial fishers.

Sergeant John Pini said, “There were quite a few people out enjoying fishing on the river and from the beaches and it was pleasing to see that most people were observing the recreational fishing limits and carrying the required safety gear.” A number of unattended and unmarked crab pots were confiscated by Water Police from the Finnis River and the crabs returned alive to the water.

Sergeant Pini has urged crabbers to make sure their pots are clearly marked with the full name of the person using them. When catching mud crabs, a maximum of 5 pots or dillies can be used per person, or up to 10 pots or dillies per boat when 2 or more people are on board.

The Water Police also spoke and issued cautions to a number of people on quad bikes and other off road vehicles. “Quad bikes and other vehicles being operated in public places require registration and licensed riders or drivers. Drink driving laws also apply,” Sergeant Pini said. A number of complaints have been received in relation to unauthorised access on Aboriginal lands west of the Finnis River and west of the Daly River for hunting or fishing access. Water police and local police will be targeting such unlawful activity in coming months in this area.

“It is the responsibility of fishers and hunters to ensure that they know which areas they are allowed to access. Appropriate permissions must be obtained before entering, and if the land is Aboriginal land, then written permission to be there is required,”

Sergeant Pini said. For more information on recreational fishing rules go to www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries. If you have any information on suspected illegal fishing activities please call Fishwatch on 1800 891 136 In the Northern Territory, Police have the responsibility for fisheries enforcement on behalf of the Director of Fisheries.

For further information about this press release please contact Bill Whitington, Media Officer, Executive and Communications Services. Phone (08) 8999 2013.