Illegal eel fishers trapped by fisheries officers

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Illegal eel fishers trapped by fisheries officers
27 May 2013 - NSW DPI

Two commercial fishers have been fined over $14,000 and have had their boat seized after they were found fishing illegally for longfin eels on the mid north coast of NSW.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said fisheries officers undertook covert surveillance of a number of eel traps set in a stretch of river up stream of Taylors Arms, a tributary of the Nambucca River.

“The fresh and non tidal waters of NSW rivers and creeks are closed to eel trapping due to concerns over the impact this activity has on our fragile freshwater ecosystems,” Mr Tritton said.

“Fisheries officers witnessed two men in February this year retrieving five baited eel traps from the water with the aid of a small aluminium boat.

“On inspection the men had 10 eel traps and 141 live eels in their possession.

“Fisheries officers seized the men’s three metre aluminium boat, the eel traps and the eels, which were returned to the water alive.”

Mr Tritton said the men, aged 23 and 25 years old, faced number of charges in court last week including fishing waters protected from commercial fishing, unlawful use of traps and possess fish illegally taken.

“The 23 year old man from Stuarts Point was fined $7,500 plus $249 court cost, while the 25 year old man also from Stuarts Point was fined $6,500 plus $249 court costs and had his boat and motor seized,” he said.

“These results send a strong message that illegal fishing within the freshwater ecosystems of NSW will not be tolerated.

“Eel trapping in non-tidal and freshwater areas has led to native fauna mortalities including platypus and freshwater turtles.

“Fisheries officers will continue to undertake targeted operations to trap offenders and enforce the strict commercial fishing rules in place for eel fishing to protect our fragile and diverse ecosystems.”

Anyone with any information about illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536