Fisheries officers target illegal fishing in Lake Illawarra

Six men from Sydney, aged between 39 and 54, will face charges relating to exceeding daily bag limits and keeping undersize fish.

NSW Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) Principal Manager, Regional Services, Glenn Tritton, said the six men were apprehended on the night of 27 July at Windang, Lake Illawarra.

Along with the six men charged, Fisheries Officers also issued on-the-spot fines totalling $1400 to four other people.

"Fisheries Officers reported that they saw a large group of people fishing from the shore, appearing to keep large numbers of small fish. As fishers left the lake, they were stopped and their vehicles searched.

"In total, Fisheries Officers seized 943 fish - mostly undersized sand whiting - as well as six fishing rods and a number of eskies and buckets," Mr Tritton said.

"The maximum penalty for these offences is a $11,000 fine and/or a three-month gaol term.

The minimum size limit for sand whiting is 27cm and there is a daily bag limit of 20.

"We are disappointed that these fishers have blatantly disregarded bag and size limits. NSW values its fish stocks, and these rules are in place to ensure that fishing activities remain sustainable," Mr Tritton said.

"Our fish stocks are a community-owned resource and NSW DPI is working to protect this resource for future generations."

Anyone with information on illegal fishing activity is urged to contact their local Fisheries Office or call the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Doug Chapman on 8437 4915 or 0408 484 176