Cockle collector digs up hefty fine
20 Apr 2018
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says a recent court ruling to fine a fisher $10,000 for illegally taking shellfish should serve as a harsh reminder to people to adhere to the state’s fishing rules.
The man, a repeat offender, was among a group of four other men apprehended for illegally collecting nearly 2,000 shellfish by NSW DPI Fisheries Officers in the Port Hacking River.
DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully, said the apprehension was the result of a coordinated approach by Fisheries Officers and Boating Safety Officers from NSW Roads & Maritime Services.
“This is an excellent result and will help to protect our fish stocks from over-harvesting,” Mr Tully said.
“The bag and possession limit for cockles is 50 per person, and only in waters where their collection is permitted, so for this man, who has been caught illegally collecting shellfish in Port Hacking previously to have offended again shows blatant disregard for the rules.”
The man and the rest of the group were apprehended at Costens Point in the Port Hacking River which is closed to the taking of shellfish.
It is one of a number of areas within the Sydney Metropolitan area where fishing restrictions have been enacted to protect shellfish species from depletion due to overfishing.
“Intertidal invertebrates like pipis and cockles are at particular risk of overfishing because of their accessibility at low tide,” Mr Tully said.
“The waters from Simpsons Bay Beach to Costens Point within Port Hacking are protected from recreational fishing for shellfish year round, and this includes any fishing method.”
Legal fishing methods for marine plants and shellfish around Sydney are provided in six languages other than English. To access these, go to the NSW DPI Fisheries website and search on ‘multi-lingual-fishing-guides’.
The maximum penalty for taking fish from declared waters, and possessing fish over the bag limit is $22,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for a first offence and $44,000 for subsequent offences.
Anyone with information on suspected illegal fishing activity is urged to contact their local DPI fisheries office, call the Fisher Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or report illegal fishing activities online.
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