Kingfish crooks

Five Sydney men have been convicted and charged with possessing prohibited size fish, having more than the possession limit of fish and master of the boat failing to prevent a serious fisheries offence.

The men were issued fines totalling $9000 and now have criminal records.

DPI fisheries officers found the men in possession of 28 prohibited size Yellowtail Kingfish (pictured) at Tunks Park boat ramp in Cammeray, Sydney.

Fishermen on the water reported the illegal fishers via the Fishers Watch Phoneline. Already known to fisheries officers, the men were found and the illegally caught fish and boat was seized.

DPI Fisheries encourages anyone who suspects illegal fishing to report in via the Fishers Water Phoneline. The line is manned during business hours, where reports are sent directly to the relevant fisheries officer.

Outside of business hours, each call is directed according to geographical area to the appropriate fisheries officers.

Report suspected illegal fishing via 1800 043 536, online (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishe…/compliance/report-illegal-activity) or to your nearest Fisheries Office.

The following information is helpful to fisheries officers:
- Type of activity
- Time, date and location of activity
- Number of people and any descriptions
- Registration numbers of cars and boats

If you report illegal activity involving the take of abalone, rock lobster or the harming of marine vegetation you may be entitled to a monetary reward (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance/monetary).

For general fishing information, call the Fisheries Information Line on 1300 550 474.