Border operation nabs illegal fisher, illegal net and seafood

A fisheries operation in offshore waters near the NSW/Queensland border has resulted in the seizure of more than one hundred kilos of king prawns and Balmain bugs allegedly illegally taken by an unlicensed prawn trawl vessel, Fisheries NSW Acting Director of Compliance, Tony Andrews, said today.

"Fisheries Officers saw the Queensland licensed commercial fishing boat trawling in ocean waters off Pottsville, NSW – 18 nautical miles south of the NSW/QLD border at around 4am on October 18," Mr Andrews said.

"The boat was displaying Licensed Fishing Boat (LFB) numbers however it is not licensed in NSW and not permitted to display LFB.

"The boats operator, a 39 year old man from Southport in Queensland, had his endorsement for the NSW ocean prawn trawl fishery suspended in 2006.

"In addition, it will be alleged that the boat was also seen trawling with an otter trawl net incorporating square mesh panel by-catch reduction devices that were stitched closed with string to reduce their effectiveness.

"By-catch reduction devices are placed on fishing gear to protect non target species and tampering with them to reduce their effectiveness will not be tolerated.

"Fisheries Officers seized the net as well as 112kg of king prawns and 17kg of Balmain bugs.

"The man will face charges including take fish for sale whilst not licensed, take fish for sale with an unlicensed boat, possess fish illegally taken and display LFB on a boat whilst not licensed.

"The maximum penalty for these offences range from $110 000 for a first offence of taking fish while unlicensed to $5,500 for displaying LFB on a boat when not permitted.

"NSW commercial fishers pay for the right to fish in these waters, and the pillaging of the resource by illegal fishers will not be tolerated.

"Fisheries Officers will continue to conduct patrols targeting illegal activity in offshore waters."

Any one with any information about illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536 or online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance

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