1
NEWS
'Pros' and amateurs busted during rat-kingfish raid
Rats in the ranks revealed during undersized-kingfish bust on Sydney's Northern BeachesA recent compliance operation targeting fishers retaining prohibited-size kingfish in the Sydney region has resulted in the apprehension of a number of pros and amateurs and the seizure of many small fish.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Supervising Fisheries Officer, Chris Clarke, said: “The operation was conducted last month by DPI fisheries officers in the Sydney North District after receiving information that there was allegedly a number of prohibited-size yellowtail kingfish being caught by recreational and commercial fishers.”
“Yellowtail kingfish is a highly valuable recreational and commercial species and is listed as a ‘priority’ species under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Fishing in and around Sydney is currently very good, with lots of yellowtail kingfish being caught.
“The operation targeted fishers in Middle Harbour, Pittwater, Sydney Harbour and Blackwattle Bay and resulted in the apprehension of three commercial fishers and four recreational fishers and the seizure of 35 prohibited-size kingfish, between 48.6cm and 64.3cms in length.”
The minimum legal length for Yellowtail Kingfish in NSW is 65cm and the possession or bag limit is five per person.
”Prohibited size, or “rat” yellowtail kingfish can occur in large schools off the NSW coast at this time of year and although great sport to catch anyone found keeping or in possession of these prohibited-size fish can expect harsh penalties,” Mr Clarke said.
“Ten separate offences were detected including possess and sell prohibited size fish as well as the Master of a boat being fined for allowing an offence to take place. The Master of a boat commits an offence if they allow another person on the boat to commit a serious fisheries offence.
“They are all facing fines of $500 per person per offence. These offences each carry maximum penalties of up to $22,000 or imprisonment for six months (or both) for a first offence or $44,000 or imprisonment for 12 months (or both) for a second or subsequent offence.
“The work done by officers during this operation should be commended, considering there is always a chance that some fishers will dump illegal fish before being checked.
“It’s hoped this highly visible operation will increase public awareness of the implications of keeping undersized and illegal fish.
“Fisheries officers are regularly on the water patrolling especially on weekends and public holidays and you just never know who will be watching you or checking your catch.”
All information relating to bag and size limits can be found online at
Photo courtesy of Fishabout Charters of a keen client holding a previously legal-sized 60cm+ kingfish. The legal length is now 65cm.
Read the latest Boatsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Boatsales Network's mobile site. Or download the App for smartphone and tablet.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBoatsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a boatsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the boatsales app
