FISHERIES officers in NSW have issued more than $10,000 in fines and seized more than a hundred fish, sharks and snails during a compliance operation targeting the south coast over the holiday period.
NSW DPI Acting Director of Compliance, Tony Andrews, said Operation Alpha Delta 14 focused on illegal fishing activity within sanctuary and special purpose zones (within the Batemans Marine Park – BMP) and general recreational and commercial fishing in adjacent areas between December 27 2014 and January 12, 2015.
“The summer holiday period is a busy one for our fisheries officers as fishers flock to the water, and while most fishers fish to the rules and conditions, there are unfortunately a few who do the wrong thing,” Mr Andrews said.
“What is disappointing is that during the operation a number of persons found fishing in special purpose zones (that didn’t permit fishing) and sanctuary zones were local residents or anglers who were regular visitors to the area and had knowledge of the BMP.”
Fisheries officers issued a number of written cautions for fishing in sanctuary and special purpose zones, fishing with bait in the Montague Island (Inner) Habitat Protection Zone, possessing prohibited size lobsters, abalone, yellowtail kingfish and flathead, filleting (mutilation) fish with a size limit, taking more than the bag limit and fishing without paying the recreational fishing fee.
A number of fish including prohibited size eastern rock lobsters, abalone, sand flathead and yellowtail kingfish, six large gummy sharks (taken from a sanctuary zone), 621 turban snails and 250 sea urchins and 13 speared fish including trevally, morwong, drummer and trumpeter were also seized.
“Recreational and commercial fishers are required to be aware of any fishing restrictions relating to where they choose to fish. Ignorance of the fishing rules, especially those relating to the marine estate, is not an excuse. Advisory material is available free of charge at a variety of places,” Mr Andrews said.
“Fisheries officers will continue to conduct operations of this type to detect and apprehend illegal fishing activities and will not hesitate to seize rods, reels and tackle, wetsuits and spear guns from recreational and commercial fishers should fishers continue to breach the rules.”
A number of illegal fishers are now facing heavy penalties for a range of charges including harm/attempt to harm animal in sanctuary zone which carries a maximum penalty of $55,000, possess prohibited size fish which carries a maximum penalty of $88,000 and/or 18 months jail and take/possess more than the daily limit of fish which carries a maximum penalty of $88,000 and/or 18 months jail.
Several offences relating to the use of bait within the Montague island (Inner) Habitat Protection Zone were also found. This zone is in place to protect the critically endangered grey nurse sharks, known to aggregate at the location during the warmer months. The zone is in effect from 1 November to 30 April every year and while fishing is permitted during this period, the use of bait, wire trace or fishing while at anchor is prohibited.
A summary of the different zones is available in the Batemans Marine Park Zoning Plan User Guide available at DPI offices or fishing fee agents or by visiting www.marine.nsw.gov.au. Information regarding recreation fishing rules can be found at DPI offices or fishing fee agents or by visiting www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
