Fisher found guilty of using undersized net meshing

After a long-running prosecution, a 68 year-old licensed commercial fisherman from Iluka, on the north coast, was found guilty of using a commercial fishing net with undersize mesh, the NSW Department of Principal Industries' Principal Manager, Regional Services, Glenn Tritton, said today.

Mr Tritton said Fisheries Officers observed the man deploying a net from a boat on the Clarence River, just before midnight, on January 21, 2003.

"The net seized by fisheries officers was 400m long and constructed of undersize mesh (55-60mm), which was well below the legal minimum mesh size of 80mm. Such nets are capable of catching many species of fish well below minimum legal size limits," said Mr Tritton.

The 68 year-old man, who pleaded not guilty was convicted of "unlawful use of net," which carries a maximum penalty of $22,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. The magistrate imposed a fine of $2,500 in relation to the offence.

"This should serve as a warning to fishers that the Department of Primary Industries is serious about tackling illegal fishing practices, " said Mr Tritton.

"There are strict rules governing the dimensions of commercial and recreational fishing gear that can be used in New South Wales waters."

"These kinds of illegal practices must be stopped if we are to continue to sustainably manage our fish resources for future generations.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Nick Bleszynski (02) 8437 4915 or 0419 185 375.