Fishers land fines for too many fish

Wollongong Local Court has fined two recreational fishers over $8,000 for violating possession limits and size restrictions while fishing in the Illawarra. 

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said the men faced the charges in court after fisheries officers found the two men in possession of 114 tailor at Lake Illawarra in February 2011.  

“The two men from Sydney’s South were found in possession of a total of 114 tailor, while the legal possession limit is 20 per person,” Mr Tritton said.    

“Eighty-eight of the fish were of a prohibited size, under the minimum legal size limit of 30 centimetres. 

“Wollongong Local Court found the two men guilty of possessing more than the maximum quantity of fish and possessing prohibited size fish and ordered them to pay fines of $4,000 each plus court costs.”  

Mr Tritton said it is vital that every fisher understands rules and regulations on size and bag limit restrictions for different species of fish.  

“Bag limits are in place to help maintain healthy and sustainable fisheries, ensure that resources are shared equally and limit fishers taking large quantities of fish that could be illegally sold on the black market,” Mr Tritton said.  

“Size limits aim to allow fish to reach maturity and complete their breeding cycle. 

“It is important that fishers abide by the rules to reduce the chance of over fishing so that  stocks remain at sustainable levels for present and future generations.”  

Anyone who witnesses illegal fishing activity should report it immediately to the Fishers’ Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536 or their local fisheries office. 

A summary of the recreational fishing rules are available at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au, and in the 2012 NSW Recreational Fishing Guides.  

The free guides are available from NSW DPI offices, fishing licence agents and bait and tackle shops.

Email: