NSW poacher convicted
Man fined, placed on bond, for netting the Tuross RiverA Bodalla man has been convicted of illegal fishing following a covert surveillance operation by fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
The 54 year-old man was observed by fisheries officers in April setting a 68-metre meshing net in the Tuross River, which is a declared a recreational fishing haven.
The Tuross River is also a habitat protection zone within the Batemans Marine Park, adding further importance to its status as being protected from commercial fishing.
The man faced Moruya Local Court earlier this month on charges of unlawfully using a net and taking fish in a marine park without permission.
He was convicted of each charge, placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond, fined $500 and had his boat and motor, worth $3500, forfeited to the Crown (not severe enough in our and many angler's view).
"This conviction sends a clear message that the use of commercial fishing gear in a recreational fishing haven will not be tolerated by the courts," DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said.
"In this case, the magistrate made specific reference to the fact that the man had been caught and convicted of similar offences in 2008.
"The Tuross River has been protected from commercial fishing since 2002 when it was declared a recreational fishing haven, a status it shares with 29 other estuaries in NSW, which is designed to provide quality recreational fishing opportunities.
“Recreational fishers are not permitted to use or possess commercial fishing gear, such as meshing nets, in, on or adjacent to any NSW waters.
“This conviction for offences that damage our fish stocks in NSW is a timely reminder that the courts will punish offenders who flaunt the law.”
Local high-profile angler and fishing writer Steve Starling has been actively campaigning to have netting banned from NSW South Coast lakes (such as picturesque Turros pictured) due to this kind of unscrupulous and unsustainable professional fishing.
Meantime, let's hope local authorities at least step-up their surveillance of the so-called pros and that they move to increase fines.
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing should contact:
• The Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536; or
• Lodge a report online through the DPI website: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au
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