Two Sydney Men To Face Court Over Illegal Netting In Lake Illawarra

[Ken A]

Two Marrickville men will face court this month over eight illegal fishing charges after being caught with illegal fishing nets on Lake Illawarra on Sunday 26 February, Manager DPI Fisheries Special Operations, Tony Andrews, said today.

Mr Andrews said DPI Fisheries Officers apprehended the 48- and 46-year-old in their vehicle after watching them for a number of hours on Lake Illawarra.

'DPI Fisheries Officers searched their vehicle and found eight monofilament meshing nets, measuring more than 1 km in length. They also found almost 300 fish and crabs, with over half being of prohibited size. Some of the crabs were found to be carrying eggs and must therefore be returned to the water.

'Monofilament nets have been banned in all NSW waters for many years. This material is extremely durable and doesn’t deteriorate when left in the water.

'If such a net is lost, the presence of dead fish in the net attracts other fish that subsequently become entangled and die.

'Nets of this type have the potential to impact heavily upon fish stocks in Lake Illawarra. The potential of these nets to take large numbers of fish before they reach a size and age that has allowed them to reproduce is quite significant.'

With the help of Port Kembla Water Police, DPI Fisheries Officers seized the illegal nets, a Toyota Tarago, the catch - mainly sand whiting, tarwhine, blue swimmer crabs, flathead and bream - and all storage containers.

'This case should be a warning to anyone breaking fishing rules that NSW DPI Fisheries staff are constantly on the lookout for illegal fishing activity and will continue to investigate and charge those who break the rules,' said Mr Andrews.

The charges the two men face carry the following penalties:

* Possession of undersized fish - max. penalty $11 000 or 3 month’s prison

* Exceeding possession limits - max. penalty $11 000 or 3 month’s prison

* Possessing fish illegally taken - max. penalty $11 000 or 3 month’s prison

* Possessing crabs carrying eggs - max. penalty $5500

* Possessing illegal fishing gear (3 counts each) - max. penalty $22 000 or 6 month’s prison

* Taking fish for sale when unlicensed - max. penalty $110 000

Media contact: Kristina Resanceff on 02 8289 3926 or 0419 185 375.

[hatheadheaven]

Mr Andrews said DPI Fisheries Officers apprehended the 48- and 46-year-old in their vehicle after watching them for a number of hours on Lake Illawarra.

Well done for catching them, but they could have probably saved a few fish if they hadn't waited "a few hours" - surely posession of the mono net was enough? Perhaps the fact that they got some fish will increase their fine from $2000 to $2500 Be interesting to see the outcome..........

[Grantm]

Yeah it is a pity so many fish were lost but i think it was a good idea to catch them after they finished to maximise the penalty. They now face fines of over $170,000 each and over a year in jail.

They may have only got a slap on the wrist if they just caught them with the net but hadnt used it yet.

Glad they caught them.