Illegal fishing proves a costly experience for local Mildura man
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A 60 year old local Mildura man has been fined a total of $4631 by Wentworth Local Court after being found illegally fishing in closed waters in the Murray River at Mildura.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said fisheries officers found the man fishing illegally below Lock 11 in a section of the Murray River closed to fishing.
“Fisheries officers observed the man fishing immediately below the Lock 11 weir wall and issued him with a $500 penalty notice for fishing illegally in a closed area,” Mr Tritton said.
“The man elected to have the matter heard at court.
“The matter was heard in Wentworth Local Court earlier this month however the man failed to appear.
“In his absence the man was fined and ordered to pay professional costs plus court costs totalling $4631.”
Mr Tritton said the court result is a reminder to all fishers that they must check which areas are closed to fishing before throwing in a line.
“The river immediately below the Lock 11 weir in Mildura is permanently closed to all forms of fishing to protect aggregations of spawning fish and fish moving upstream which are impeded by the weir structure,” Mr Tritton said.
“Signs are in place to advise fishers that no fishing can be undertaken.
“This closure and many other weir closures are important to ensure the sustainability of our highly prized native fish species.
“Closures offer the fish protection when they are susceptible to capture in large numbers and any offences detected in these areas are considered serious.
“Fisheries officers regularly patrol weir closures in an effort to deter and detect illegal activity.
“Illegal fishing robs the community of a precious resource that is there for everyone to enjoy, and our fisheries officers will continue to target those doing the wrong thing.”
Information on fishing closures can be found on the NSW DPI website www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au, or in the 2012 NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide which is available from NSW DPI offices and most bait and tackle stores.
To report illegal fishing contact the Fishers’ Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536.
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