13FISH call nets Lake Bolac man a $1500 fine

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Media release: 13FISH call nets Lake Bolac man a $1500 fine Victoria DPI - 1 Mar 12

A call via the Fisheries Victoria 13FISH offence reporting line has resulted in a 30-year-old Lake Bolac man being convicted and fined $1500 at the Ararat Magistrates court this week.

The court heard that in November 2011 the man was charged with using and possessing commercial fishing equipment and providing false information to Fisheries Officers.

Fisheries Officers had responded to a 13FISH call and discovered a mesh net set in the Fiery Creek, the main tributary of Lake Bolac.

The net contained fish and a cormorant.

The man admitted to setting the mesh net in the creek. Other illegal fishing equipment was also located at the man’s Lake Bolac residence.

Magistrate Richard Pithouse found the accused guilty on all charges with conviction and fined him $1500.

Prosecutor Mr Heath Cameron said Lake Bolac had been one of the Victoria’s most successful and productive recreational fisheries in recent months.

“This case highlights how important it is that recreational anglers act responsibly so that everyone can share the fish. This equipment has the potential to be very destructive to our precious freshwater fisheries,” Mr Cameron said outside the court.

“This equipment in the wrong hands can have severe consequences on our waterways with the potential to kill fish, turtles, platypus, waterbirds and water rats.”

Anyone who suspects or sees illegal fishing activity (in Victoria) should call the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (133 474).