A 56 year old man will face court after allegedly being found with illegal nets in southern New South Wales.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Compliance Manager Glenn Tritton said the man, from Yanco, in southern New South Wales, was apprehended by fisheries officers from the Hume and Riverina District for possessing nets used for illegal fishing, in a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River, near Leeton last weekend.

“Our officers conducted an inspection of a campsite located on the Coonancoocabil Lagoon where it will be alleged they found 3 gill nets,” Mr Tritton said.

“The nets, and four golden perch, as well as a boat, motor and trailer were seized from the man by fisheries officers.

“The man will be prosecuted for a range of offences including possession of illegal fishing gear and possession of fish unlawfully taken.

“The offences carry a combined maximum penalty of $55,000 and fifteen months imprisonment,” Mr Tritton said.

The NSW DPI regards gill net offences as very serious, and the nets are banned in this state.

“Gill nets are normally set in still water and basically catch anything that is moving in the river or lake,” Mr Tritton said.

“Nets of this type have the potential to impact heavily upon fish stocks by taking large numbers of fish before they reach a size and age that has allowed them to reproduce.

“It is a priority of the NSW DPI to continue to clamp down on all aspects of illegal fishing, to ensure the sustainability of the state’s waterways,” Mr Tritton said.

More information about fishing rules and regulations in NSW can be found on the NSW DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Information relating to illegal fishing should be immediately reported to the Fishers’ Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536.

Media contact: Sarah McGregor 0427 075 167