A RECREATIONAL fisher who was caught red handed with a bag of prohibited sized fish in possession whilst fishing at The Entrance North in December 2020 recently had an expensive day in court.
On the evening of 12 December 2020, the defendant who was fishing at The Entrance channel adjacent to Karagi Carpark, was seen to be in possession of a plastic bag which looked to contain fish. As fisheries Officers approached, the fisher tossed the bag into the water to attempt to avoid detection.
Upon further inspection the bag contained 7 prohibited sized fish including yellowfin bream and sand whiting. Thankfully most fish were able to be returned to the water alive.
The defendant was originally issued a $500 penalty infringement notice by fisheries officers, but the defendant elected to have the penalty infringement notice heard at court.
The defendant failed to show for the hearing at Wyong Local Court on Friday 1 July 2022 and the matter preceded.
The defendant was found to be guilty of – Possession of prohibited sized fish -Section 16 (1) Fisheries Management Act 1994. The defendant was convicted and fined received a combined $10,235 in fines and costs.
Anyone observing suspected illegal activity in NSW can call the DPI Fishers Watch service on 1800 043 536 or report it online at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/report-illegal-activity.
