Couple caught in DPI net

A 63-year-old Yamba man and his wife have been ordered to pay more than $6000 in fines and court costs after pleading guilty to recreational fishing offences, after appearing in the Maclean Local Court, 14th February.

The couple was caught on 15th February 2005, during an ongoing surveillance operation by DPI Fisheries officers at the Broadwater of the Clarence River, five kilometres upstream of Maclean.

They were found with 15 live mud crabs in their boat, the recreational bag limit in NSW is five per person. They were also found to be using twice the number of allowable hoop nets. The maximum number of nets to be used by any one person at one time is five.

In addition, the man was charged with obstructing a fisheries officer after one of the hoop nets was seized.

The pair faced five separate charges. Both were charged with possessing more than the maximum quantity of fish, and unlawful use of nets.

The man is a licensed commercial fisher.

In total, the pair were fined and ordered to pay $6335.

This case shows that the judiciary is willing to impose tough penalties for illegal fishing – and those that continue to flout the law should take note.

If you are fishing commercially or recreationally, DPI Fisheries Officers are out there ensuring that people comply with the rules to ensure sustainable fish stocks for future generations.

Those that break fisheries legislation will pay the price through the courts.

Any illegal fishing activity should be reported to the Fishers Watch Hotline 1800 043 536 or by calling the nearest DPI office.

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