More than 300 fishers were checked by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers during the ANZAC Day long weekend, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

"Eight fisheries officers participated in the operation, primarily in the Murray and Paroo Rivers in the west and south west of the State, to provide information and advice to fishers while at the same time deterring and detecting illegal fishing activities," he said.

"It is good to see that many fishers are doing the right thing, however, 30 fishers were apprehended for a variety of offences, plus a number of fishers were issued with cautions.

"Most offences related to the illegal use of yabby traps, fishing fee matters and bag and size limits.

"Fisheries officers seized more than 120 fish, including fish illegally taken, protected species and prohibited size. More than 60 nets and traps were also seized - mainly yabby traps plus more than 650 yabbies."

NSW DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer South West Zone, Peter Tilbrook, said the most serious offence was allegedly committed by a man using a monofilament gill net.

This man will face the court on a number of charges including using an illegal net and possessing fish unlawfully taken.

The maximum penalty for these offences totals $33,000 or imprisonment for nine months, or both. The net and a large quantity of fish were seized from the man.

"Gill nets exert excessive pressure on our native fish stocks are their use is banned in all NSW waters.

"The use of this illegal gear also threatens the sustainability of other native birds and animals including platypus, turtles and water rats," Mr Tilbrook said. 

Prior to going fishing all fishers are urged to get a copy of the NSW fishing rules provided free at your NSW DPI Fisheries office and most tackle outlets or check the website on www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/regulations

Media contact: Sarah Chester 02 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669