Fishing Patrols Target Sydney And Central Coast

[johnno]

Fishers planning to wet a line over the Australia Day long weekend should make sure they have a valid fishing licence before they go.

Fisheries officers and the Recreational Fishery Mobile Squad from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be conducting high profile patrols of Sydney and Central Coast waterways between 25th to 28th January.

Fisheries officers won’t hesitate to issue on-the-spot fines to people fishing without licenses or who are in breach of other fishing regulations. On the spot fines of up to $500 apply for breaches of fisheries legislation.

The officers will also be targeting illegal netting activity in some of the waterways.

They will be patrolling the Pittwater, Broken Bay, Brisbane Water and Hawkesbury River waterways day and night over the long weekend.

Recreational fisher checks will be undertaken with an emphasis on compliance with the Recreational Fishing Fee and size/bag limit restrictions.

Fishers must ensure that they carry their Recreational Fishing Fee receipt (or proof of exemption) with them when they are fishing and/or in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to any NSW waters.

Fishers are reminded that a range of other restrictions apply in these popular waterways, including a year-round closure for netting and trapping in the Brisbane Water (which includes the use and/or possession of hoop nets).

Fishing rules aim to ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations, so it’s important that fishers comply.

Fisheries officers will use a range of patrol vessels during the operation including the Fisheries Patrol Vessel ‘Sydney Swan’ which will be used for both off shore patrols and as a water based field platform.

For further advice fishers can contact their local fisheries office, call the fishers watch line on 1800 043 536, or check the DPI