Snagged using illegal set lines

[Member]

Snagged using illegal set lines
12 Jun 2014 - NSW DPI


Recreational fishers are reminded that the use of illegal set lines is not permitted in the inland waterways of NSW, following a number of individuals being apprehended near Wagga Wagga, Condobolin and Moulamein.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Supervising Fisheries Officer, Peter Tilbrook, said the use of destructive set lines has been prohibited in NSW for many years.

“During May, fisheries officers received an anonymous tip off from the public notifying them of the illegal use of set lines in Old Man Creek, about 20km west of Wagga Wagga.

“The illegal set lines were located by fisheries officers and with the assistance of NSW Police they intercepted a vehicle on the outskirts of the city later that night.

“A man was interviewed and his vehicle was inspected, resulting in the seizure of 16 set lines each rigged with two hooks, and one large Murray cod.

“The man will receive court attendance notices and faces charges of possession of illegal fishing gear, possession of fish illegally taken, use of live fin fish as bait and leave lines unattended.

“Each of the charges carries a maximum penalty of up to $22,000 and/or six months imprisonment.”

Mr Tilbrook said set lines do not discriminate and can have devastating consequences for native fish including threatened species and other wildlife such as turtles and water birds that can be caught on the lines.

“Set lines or unattended lines have been prohibited in NSW for many years in an effort to reduce the high level of impact on target and non-target species,” he said.

“Most native fish caught using set lines, undergo prolonged stress, become easy prey for predators including other larger fish and often die on the line.”

In another incident involving set lines, two men within a larger group were observed by fisheries officers checking and setting 12 set lines in the Lachlan River, near Condobolin.

“The lines, baited with yabbies, were illegally set and left unattended,” Mr Tilbrook said.

“When interviewed, the West Wyalong men were found in possession of a gaff, two golden perch and three Murray cod, two of which were prohibited size.

“The equipment and fish were seized by fisheries officers, who also found one of the men had failed to pay the required Recreational Fishing Fee.

“The two men were each issued penalty notices totalling $2,000.”

In a third incident, two men from Rushworth in Victoria were found using eight set lines and in possession of two Murray cod which had been illegally taken from Billabong Creek near Moulamein.

“The eight lines and two cod measuring 64cm and 75cm were seized from the men,” Mr Tilbrook said.

“Both men have each received penalty notices totalling $1,000 for possession of illegal fishing gear and fish illegally taken by set lines.”

A maximum of two attended lines are permitted in all non-tidal waters other than some trout waters. Attended lines must be within 50 metres and in the line of sight of the fisher using the lines.

Hand lines are not permitted in trout waters or closed waters. Any spare lines must not be rigged or capable of taking fish.

Recreational fishers are encouraged to use the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide, available from DPI fisheries officers, most tackle shops or online

Anyone with any information about illegal fishing or suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536 which is a 24/7 automated service or online on the Department's website.