Man fined $8000 for illegal use of net

[nsw_fisheries]

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/gen/news/fb_03sep03_man.htm

"This document has been posted for information and to encourage discussion among yourselves. For more information from NSW Fisheries on the issue, please visit our web site on www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au"

[Lucky_Phill]

Man fined $8000 for illegal use of net
September 3, 2003
A 31-year-old commercial fisher has been fined $8000 after being caught using an illegal net in ocean waters off Barrenjoey Head in Sydney’s north.

The Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said the man, from Leichhardt, was convicted of the offences in Hornsby Local Court.

“NSW Fisheries officers detected the offences during a routine inspection of the man’s boat, six nautical miles east of Barrenjoey Head, in October last year,” Mr Dunn said.

“More than 500kg of fish was seized from the man’s boat. The fish and the man’s net have since been forfeited.

“The type of net used by the man is illegal because of its very small meshing which catches undersized fish.”

Mr Dunn said the penalty was one of the toughest imposed for illegal fishing activity in recent years.

“It sends a clear warning that courts are willing to deal seriously with offenders who breach fishing laws,” he said.

Mr Dunn said the use of illegal nets threatens the sustainability of our State’s fish, and fishers found breaking the rules can expect to be prosecuted.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing is urged to contact their local NSW Fisheries office or the Fishers Watch phone line 1800 043 536. All information received will be treated as confidential.

[Lucky_Phill]

Sounds good.

Don't see to many Qld Fisheries posting good news like this.!

Comon' Craig !

Phill

[craigie]

Your comments have been noted Phill, I'll talk to my people about this issue.
I'm sure we catch these dirty poachers as well.

Craig.