A Bermagui man has been fined more than $18,000 for organising a paid charter fishing trip for a group of Albury men using an unlicensed charter fishing boat off the coast of Bermagui.

The 62-year-old man was convicted and fined $2,000 plus court costs and was also ordered to pay compensation of $16,363 in Albury Local Court on 22 February.

On 4 December 2004, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Officers boarded an unlicensed charter fishing boat at Bermagui on its return to port and spoke to the occupants.

A charge relating to the use of an unlicensed charter boat was later laid.

NSW DPI Manager, Special Operations (Fisheries), Tony Andrews, said charter boat operators providing fishing trips for anglers in NSW needed a charter fishing boat licence to operate their business.

The licensing scheme, which came into effect in the year 2000, is regulated by NSW DPI.

"The licensing scheme was introduced to ensure the charter fishing industry develops in a way that allows fish stocks to be managed in a sustainable manner.  

"Unlicensed and uncontrolled charter fishing could threaten the sustainability of fish stocks and the legitimate charter fishing industry," Mr Andrews said.

The maximum penalty for using an unlicensed charter fishing boat is $11,000.

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