Fisheries Officers Crack Down on Illegal Fishing During Lockdown

22 Jul 2021

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Officers are cracking down on illegal fishing during the COVID-19 lockdown, after tips were received from the public through the Fishers Watch Phoneline.

NSW DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Dr Andrew Moriarty said that the tip received from the Fishers Watch Phoneline has led to the discovery of illegal fishing activities at the Fingal Island sanctuary zone by a group who travelled from an area that has been issued with stay-at-home orders.

“NSW Police assisted DPI Fisheries who attended Fingal Island sanctuary zone, which is part of the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park on Saturday July 3,” Dr Moriarty said.

“There they found four people who had travelled from Sydney to fish at this location in breach of NSW COVID-19 Public Health Orders.

“Three of the men were also interviewed by fisheries officers regarding the harming or attempting to harm fish and, were in possession of fishing equipment in a sanctuary zone of the marine park.”

Following these interviews, the officers seized their fishing equipment (rods, reels and catch bags), together with their catch that had been unlawfully taken.

Dr Moriarty said that this behavior is not acceptable, and that DPI Fisheries will continue to work with NSW Police during this lockdown period not only to protect the fisheries resource but the community.

“Both the COVID-19 and sanctuary zone breaches are serious offences and significant penalties apply, with a number of infringement notices to be issued to each of the offenders,” Dr Moriarty said.

“Only 3 of the people were found to be fishing in the sanctuary zone and each will receive $1000 in fines relating to the fisheries offences.

“All four in the group will receive $1000 fines from NSW Police Port Stephens Marine Area Command for their breach of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.”

The public are encouraged to report illegal fishing activity to the NSW Fishers Hotline on 1800 043 536 or via the online Report Illegal Activity Form https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/report-illegal-activity

Media contact: 02 6391 3686