Fisheries launches Central Coast Christmas compliance crackdown

Fisheries officers will be out in force on the Central Coast during the Christmas holiday period to ensure fishers are abiding by fishing rules and regulations.

Department of Primary Industries Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said hotspots throughout the Central Coast would be targeted, including Tuggerah Lakes and the Avoca Beach Rock Platform.

“Tuggerah Lakes has been an extremely popular location for recreational fishers for many years due to the prevalence of large quantities of popular species like sand whiting, bream and tarwhine,” Mr Tritton said.

“Each year we find that some fishers blatantly disregard fisheries laws by taking and retaining prohibited size fish, exceeding possession limits and fishing without holding a recreational fishing licence.

“Patrols will be undertaken by fisheries officers in the lead-up to Christmas and beyond to ensure that size and bag limits are observed, and fishers hold and carry a current recreational fishing licence.”

Mr Tritton said fishing regulations are in place to protect, conserve and improve the state’s fisheries resources for current and future generations.

“Placing size and bag limits on catches helps sustain fisheries resources while funds generated by the licence are used to enhance fishing opportunities and facilities for recreational fishers,” he said.

“Those found disregarding rules put in place to protect our fisheries resources will face the full force of the law.“

Ignorance is no excuse - it is the responsibility of all fishers to be aware of the rules.

“All rules and regulations are published online in the NSW Recreational Fishing Guides and are also available at local fisheries offices and most places where NSW recreational fishing licences are sold.”

Illegal fishing activity can be reported by calling the Fishers Watch Phone Line on1800 043 536, or online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance/report-illegal-activity.

Contact: Tom Braz

Phone: 02 6391 3686 or 0428 256 596

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