Illegal net and whitebait catch seized at Cowdry Head

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Two mid north coast commercial fishers will be prosecuted after being found at Crowdy Head near Taree with an illegal net they used to catch 375kg of whitebait.

The Acting Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Paul, O'Connor, said NSW Fisheries officers found the men, aged 34 and 36, using the illegal hand-held net at Crowdy Head harbour on Tuesday night.

"The net had very small mesh and allowed the fishers to unfairly target whitebait," Mr O'Connor said.

"NSW Fisheries officers seized the net and the catch of whitebait, valued at more than $1000.

"The commercial fishers will be summonsed to appear in court on a number of illegal fishing charges.

"They face fines of up $22,000 and/or six months jail."

Mr O'Connor said the case showed that people who break the State's fishing laws can expect to be caught and prosecuted.

" Our State's fisheries are a community-owned resource.

"Illegal fishing threatens valuable fish stocks, undermines legitimate licensed commercial fishers and the regional economies they support."

Anyone concerned about illegal fishing should contact their local NSW Fisheries office or the Fishers' Watch number 1800 043 536.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Eric Aubert