Burleigh man fined $2,000 for fishing offences

A 69 year-old man from Burleigh, in Qld, was fined $2,000 in Ballina Local Court after he pleaded guilty to two fisheries charges, the Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.

"NSW Fisheries officers pulled the man over and inspected his trailer after seeing water leaking from it," said Mr Dunn.

"He was found to be in possession of 207 kg of medium-sized prawns."

The man, who had been convicted of previous fishing offences, was fined $800 for being an unregistered fish receiver and $1,200 for failing to produce a "prescribed record" for 86 kg of the prawns in his possession."

"People buying and selling seafood must have licence that entitles them to do so. For anything over 3 kg of crustaceans, traders must be able to produce a "prescribed record," detailing how they came into their possession," said Mr Dunn

Unusually, the Magistrate, the Honourable Chris Bone, took leave to comment on the rise in fisheries offences originating in the Grafton, Maclean and Ballina areas.

He also noted the increasing number of prosecutions being brought before the courts.

Mr Dunn said NSW Fisheries officers regularly patrol these areas to ensure fishing rules are being obeyed.

"Our fish stocks are a community-owned resource and NSW Fisheries is working to protect this resource for future generations," said Mr Dunn

Media inquiries: Nick Bleszynski (02) 8437 4915 or 0419 185 375.