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General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on December 23, 2012, 02:32:49 PM

Title: Illegal inland fishing under close scrutiny this summer
Post by: Editor on December 23, 2012, 02:32:49 PM
Media release: Illegal inland fishing under close scrutiny this summer
21 Dec 12 - Victoria DPI

(http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0005/170546/varieties/resized.jpg)
Anglers using or possessing illegal nets will get caught, face prosecution and pay the penalties.



A call to the 24 hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474) has resulted in a 26-year-old central Victorian man facing illegal fishing charges.

The man is expected to be charged on summons by Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Fisheries Officers following a recent incident at the Campaspe River, near Elmore in Northern Victoria.

After the call Fisheries Officers interviewed the man and seized a gill net, opera house nets, a canoe and an electric motor.

Northern Regional Fisheries Officer Mike Hosking said the man was allegedly caught using the various nets.

"Some people are just not getting the message – if you use or possess this type of equipment you will get caught by our officers, face prosecution and pay the penalties," Mr Hosking said.

"The department continues to stock waters like the Campaspe River with Murray cod and golden perch to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and it is disappointing that this type of activity is still occurring in 2012.

"The Department’s Fisheries Officers will be actively patrolling Northern Victoria’s waterways over the coming busy summer period.

"With the summer fishing season approaching, the public is asked to remain vigilant for suspected illegal fishing and report it to the 13FISH hotline."