Massive prosecution in Victoria for 12 tonnes of illegal golden perch
by Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW 30 Apr 2023 15:30 AEST
Massive prosecution in Victoria for 12 tonnes of illegal golden perch © RFA of NSW
A joint investigation by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and NSW DPI Fisheries has resulted in the most significant penalty relating to a freshwater species in Victoria in the last 20 years.
The investigation found that between 2017 and 2019, a 40-year-old man had illegally netted almost 12 tonnes of golden perch from the Darling River and sold them on 56 occasions for a total of $205,600.
The man was convicted by a NSW court for illegally netting fish from the Darling River and a Victorian court for selling them to a wholesaler in Melbourne.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Education and Enforcement Ian Parks said that the joint operation has successfully disrupted and dismantled the illegal take of native fish from inland waterways.
"The unauthorised use of mesh nets is a danger to fish and wildlife, and seafood caught in this way can be a health risk to consumers. This remains a high priority for Fisheries Officers in both states," Mr Parks said.
If you see or suspect illegal fishing in Victoria, call the 24/7 reporting service, 13FISH (133474), to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer. You can remain anonymous.