A major crackdown on the illegal fisher has been targeted in New England. In the operation it is found number of offenders fined for using illegal hand held lines and possessing prohibited size fish. Industry and Investment (I&I) NSW Fisheries Compliance Manager Glenn Tritton told that I&I NSW Fisheries Officers have conducted patrols in the New England District on Copeton and Pindari Dams and along the McIntyre and Gwydir Rivers during July and August.
It is informed that the officers have checked a total of 15 fishers, with $4800 in penalty notices issued to 11 people reported for use of excess lines, possess prohibited fishing gear, mutilate fish and fail to pay or produce recreational fishing fees. Anglers are only permitted to use two hand held lines and must be within 50 metres of those lines. Setlines were banned in 2007.
According to Tritton the regular patrols of inland waterways across the state are necessary to ensure fishers are complying with the rules for the benefit of everyone. Failure to pay or produce a current recreational fishing fee receipt incurs an on the spot fine of $200, while the use of excess lines can incur an on the spot fine of $500 or a maximum fine in court of $11,000.
Compliance with the fishing rules assists in the management of the natural resource for now and future generations.
