Fine for commercial fisher for illegal use of traps

by Alyssa Fitzgerald on 21 Feb 2012 Forster Local Court has fined a 35 year old commercial fisher from Green Point near Forster NSW, a total of $3,005 as a result of a number of operations targeting the unlawful use of commercial crab traps and meshing nets on the State’s Mid North Coast.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Mr Glenn Tritton said the commercial fisher was fined for unlawfully using a meshing net and crab traps, interfering with set fishing gear and possession of prohibited size fish.

'The fisher was convicted of five separate offences which occurred on Wallis Lake and the Cooloongolook and Wallingat River systems,' Mr Tritton said.

'The offences were detected as part of targeted operations by NSW DPI fisheries officers from the Wallis Lake District.

'Nine commercial crab traps, a 915 metre flathead net and 26 prohibited size fish were detected and seized during the course of the targeted patrols.'

The seized items were forfeited to the State.

Mr Tritton said the court result was a timely reminder for recreational and commercial fishers that they must follow the rules when fishing for crabs to help ensure the sustainability of the crab fishery.

'Recreational fishers are reminded that they may use one crab trap and up to five hoop nets per person, but some waterways have closed areas, so always check on any restrictions with your local fisheries officer,' Mr Tritton said.

'Crab traps (CT) and hoop nets (HN) have a range of conditions that apply to their lawful use, including marking the float with the users’ name and address and the letters CT or HN, more details are contained in the free NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide 2012 available at most bait and tackle shops and your local fisheries office.

'Licensed commercial fishers work under stringent conditions set out in the Fisheries Management (Estuary General Share Management Plan 2006) Regulation when fishing in the Wallis Lakes area.

'Fisheries officers will continue to target the use of crab traps and meshing nets on the mid north coast to ensure that the rules are being followed.

'Illegal fishing gear will be seized and offenders will be prosecuted.'

Fishers should report crab trap theft, illegal crab fishing activity and the illegal sale of crabs to their local Fisheries Office or call the Fishers Watch Phone line on 1800 043 NSW DPI website