DPI targets night fishing at power stations
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A four month operation enforcing a ban on night fishing around power stations on Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lake has netted 39 people fishing illegally.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) introduced the ban to protect juvenile fish congregating at night around the Munmorah, Vales Point and Eraring Power Stations.
DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer, Tony Chen said large numbers of juvenile fish are drawn to the warm water discharged by the power stations at night, creating an unsustainable recreational fishing environment.
"DPI officers found 39 people allegedly committing a total of 74 offences during the operation which ran from 1 May to 31 August. Most offences were committed at night.
"Officers issued 10 written cautions, 60 fines and four people will be summonsed to court.
"The offences included not have a fishing fee receipt, fishing in closed waters and taking prohibited size fish.
"Other prosecutions were for offences relating to providing fisheries officers with false names and addresses while another was for threatening and abusing a fisheries officer," Mr Chen said.
While 95% of offenders were detected during night time ‘closures’, some patrols conducted during the day caught people with prohibited size fish or failing to comply with other fishing licence laws.
"The success of this operation highlights the fact that DPI is working hard to ensure healthy fish stocks in the area and that recreational fishing remains a sustainable sport for both today’s fishers and those of the future," Mr. Chen said
Fishing from boats or from the shore around the power stations on Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes is prohibited from 1 May to 31 August from 6pm to 6am.
The night time fishing closure has been in place since June 2004.
Fisheries officers will continue to conduct regular daytime and night patrols of the area. Those caught fishing illegally within these areas could face a $500 on the spot fine.
Anyone who witnesses illegal fishing is encouraged to contact the local fisheries office.
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