The NSW Government’s crackdown on illegal fishing activity has stepped up a gear with a new $80,000 high-speed boat now patrolling the State’s Mid North Coast, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald announced today.

Mr Macdonald said the six-metre Edencraft vessel is based at the Department of Primary Industries at Tuncurry and is being used for estuarine and offshore patrols.

"The boat replaces a similar vessel and has improved safety features, more horsepower and is designed to work in offshore waters, improving rapid response in all weather conditions," Mr Macdonald said.

"This is essential equipment because DPI fisheries officers conduct patrols in both coastal and inland waterways constantly throughout the year.

"Officers check that fishers have paid their recreational fishing fees and that commercial and recreational fishers comply with the State’s fisheries laws."

Powered by dual four-stroke 100 hp, low emission outboard motors, the boat was also selected for its reliability, economy, environmental friendliness and ‘hot pursuit’ capability.

"The vessel patrols waterways from Seal Rocks in the south to Hallidays Point in the north, which includes Smiths Lake, Wallis Lake and the Wallamba River," Mr Macdonald said.

"It also patrols marine protected areas and critical habits for the grey nurse shark, such as The Pinnacle and Big Seal Rocks.

"The boat is lightweight, quiet, fast and manoeuvrable, enabling fisheries officers to quickly move the boat alongside other vessels.

"This is the third new boat to be deployed in recent months. The others are patrolling Sydney’s southern beaches and the South Coast."

The Minister said there were more than 90 DPI fisheries officers across NSW to enforce legislation relating to commercial and recreational fishing.

Illegal fishing activity can be reported to any local DPI office or by calling the fishers watch hotline 1800 043 536.

Media contact: Lyndall Derrig 0400 462 447