Patrol lands big catch
Over a tonne of prohibited size fish seizedA south coast commercial fisher will face court for attempting to sell a large quantity of prohibited-size fish at the Sydney Fish Market in the lead-up to Christmas.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said a large number of silver trevally, suspected of being a prohibited size, were located in December during a routine patrol of Sydney Fish Market.
"Inspection of a consignment of 45 bins of silver trevally weighing more than 1100 kilograms revealed that the vast majority of the fish were allegedly of a prohibited size," Mr Tritton said.
"Following subsequent investigations, a south coast fisherman authorised to trawl in NSW waters will be issued with a court attendance notice to appear in court for selling prohibited size fish.
"This is a serious offence that could result in a $22,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment."
General Manager of the Sydney Fish Market, Bryan Skepper said Sydney Fish Market applauds the work of DPI in stamping out illegal fishing practices.
"We will continue to work closely with DPI to ensure all product received and sold through the market is done so legally," Mr Skepper said.
Mr Tritton urged members of the public to report any suspected illegal fishing activity by submitting a confidential online report on the DPI website report illegal activity page or calling the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536.
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