NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers have issued fines totalling $5,200 to a group of fishers found illegally fishing on the Macquarie River in the State’s Central West.
DPI Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said fisheries officers conducted a targeted operation on the Macquarie River, downstream of Narromine.
“Fisheries officers located a camp being used by a number of fishers downstream of Narromine,” Mr Andrews said.
“A number of fisheries offences were detected including the use of 41 unattended lines that were set and left unattended, possession of fish illegally taken, the use of 31 live finfish as a lure or bait to take fish on inland waters, the use of a gaff to take fish on inland waters and a master of a boat not preventing a serious fisheries offence taking place.
“Seven people were apprehended by fisheries officers and admitted to the offences when interviewed.
“Officers seized 41 set lines, 2 gaffs and 31 European carp and fines totalling $5,200 and a number of written cautions were issued to the members of the camp.
“Unattended lines and other illegal fishing gear are prohibited for a reason as their use poses a very real risk to the sustainability of our native fish populations and other protected fauna.”
A maximum of two attended fishing lines are permitted in NSW inland waters. Attended lines must be within 50 metres and in the line of sight of the person who is using the line.
The use of live finfish as bait is prohibited in NSW as it presents biosecurity risks to our waterways through the potential spread and transmission of noxious aquatic diseases through the transfer of fish from one body of water to another.
Mr Andrews reminded fishers that fisheries officers regularly patrol waterways to detect illegal fishing activity.
“Fisheries officers are targeted in their operations and if you are doing the wrong thing it is only a matter of time until you are caught,” Mr Andrews said.
“Members of the public can also report any suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishers watch hotline on 1800 043 536 or directly to your nearest Fisheries office.”
