Mildura man faces fines and possible gaol for fishing offences

A Mildura man faces a range of fines of up to $22,000 and six months imprisonment after he was apprehended by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Fisheries Officers during a surveillance operation on the Murray River near the South Australian border.

The 42 year old faces up to five charges which may include unlawful use of net, exceed daily bag limit, exceed possession limit, possess fish unlawfully taken and fail to comply with a direction to remove gear from water.

NSW DPI Manager Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton said the operation, which culminated on the evening of Thursday 18 December 2008, resulted in the seizure of a significant haul of illegally taken native fish.

“Officers seized nine gill nets, 58 golden perch, one Murray cod, one bony brim and one carp as well as a 4.5 metre aluminium boat, a 30 horsepower outboard motor and trailer,’ he said.

“The number of fish exceeded the possession limits which are in place to encourage responsible fishing, reduce the chance of over fishing and to ensure stocks remain at a suitable level for future harvest.”

Mr Tritton said it was pleasing to see that a very large live Murray cod estimated at 35 kg was removed from a gill net back into the river.

“A priority of the NSW DPI is to ensure the ongoing sustainability and viability of the state’s coastal and inland waterways for generations to come,” he said.

Commercial fishing for native freshwater fin fish was phased out in 2001 due to serious concerns for the sustainability of native fish populations.

Mr Tritton said any information relating to illegal fishing activities should be reported immediately to the nearest NSW DPI Fisheries office or on the Fishers’ Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536.

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