$10,000 Fine for Illegal Mangrove Distruction

August 28, 2002

The Director of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, today welcomed a $10,000 fine imposed on a North Coast property owner who illegally removed more than 3000 mangroves near a Richmond River property.

He said the penalty was one of the heaviest ever imposed in NSW for damage to fish habitats.

Last week in the NSW Land and Environment Court, a woman from Pimlico near Ballina was fined $10,000 for the offence and ordered to pay legal costs estimated at almost $50,000.

She was also ordered to fence the affected area to help protect regenerating plants from nearby farm animals.

Mr Dunn said the prosecution showed courts were willing to impose tough penalties on people who harm marine vegetation.

"Mangroves are essential habitat for fish stocks. They also stabilise estuary beds and banks, improve water quality and provide shelter for juvenile fish and other aquatic life."

"This case serves as a warning that NSW Fisheries will prosecute offenders who damage estuarine fish habitats such as mangroves, seagrass and saltmarsh."

"The community has an important role in helping NSW Fisheries protect aquatic habitats."

Anyone wishing to report damage to fish habitats should contact their nearest NSW Fisheries office or call Fishers' Watch on 1800 043 536.

Further information about bag and size limits can be obtained via the NSW Fisheries website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or from any NSW Fisheries office.

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