DPI Fisheries officers net Macleay River eel thief

A 57-year-old man from Sherwood, near Kempsey, has been fined $6000, forfeited his 3.5-metre aluminium boat and motor, and ordered to pay $252 in court costs after pleading guilty to illegally trapping eels in the Macleay River.

NSW DPI Director, Compliance Operations, Paul O'Connor, said DPI Fisheries Officers caught the man illegally trapping eels in the Macleay River, about 15km west of Kempsey.

"Fisheries Officers seized 14 kilograms of live eels that were later returned to the water. They also seized 15 freshwater turtles from the traps and returned them to the water alive," said Mr O'Connor.

"Commercial fishers with eel licences can legally trap in coastal estuaries up to the limit of tidal waters - but they must obtain a special permit from DPI to operate in freshwater areas.

"Eel traps used in freshwater must also be specially designed to ensure they do not drown air-breathing native animals such as platypuses, freshwater turtles and native water rats - which are all protected species.

"Illegal fishing is an issue that should unite the fishing community and conservationists, as it threatens not only vulnerable fish stocks, but also the livelihoods of commercial fishers.

"The commercial eel fishery is a valuable NSW fishery, with an estimated annual catch of longfinned eels worth more than $1 million at the first point of sale."

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.

Eel thieves can be fined up to $22,000 (for corporations) or a maximum of three-month's imprisonment or both.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristina Resanceff on (02) 8289 3926 or 0419 185 375