Spearfisher nailed on North Harbour

Spearfishers are reminded that Sydney’s North Harbour is strictly off limits after Manly Local Court ordered a man to pay over $2,500 for spearfishing in prohibited waters.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Fisheries Compliance Director, Glenn Tritton, said the man from
Dee Why was found in possession of a spear gun in an area closed to spearfishing in Sydney’s north.

“Fisheries officers witnessed the man swimming in a prohibited area, near Forty Baskets Beach, in possession of a spear gun and without a current recreational fishing licence in March 2011,” Mr Tritton said.

“The man was initially issued penalty notices of $200 for fishing without a recreational fishing licence and $300 for spearfishing in prohibited waters.

“The offender subsequently elected to have his case heard in court and last month Manly Local Court increased the fines to $450 and $2,000 respectively, to a total of $2,450 plus $81 in court costs.”

Mr Tritton said the man claimed he did not know that spearfishing was prohibited in the area and he had not realised that his recreational fishing licence had expired.

“It is every fisher’s responsibility to understand the rules - ignorance is not an excuse,” Mr Tritton said.

“Spearfishing is a popular form of recreational fishing and it is important for fishers to understand and follow the rules, or face the consequences.

“Fishers should ensure they have in their possession a current NSW recreational fishing licence and are aware of the bag and size limits in place and the areas closed to fishing.

“A list of areas closed to spearfishers is available from the NSW DPI website www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.”

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

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