$6000 Fine For Illegal Commercial Fishing in Tweed
September 5, 2002

A North Coast commercial fisher caught fishing in the new recreational fishing haven on the Tweed River has been fined $6000, the Director of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.

He said the 26-year-old man from Chinderah pleaded guilty in Tweed Heads Local Court.

"This is the first case of illegal commercial fishing in a recreational fishing haven since 30 were created along the NSW Coast."

"The State's 30th haven, on the Clarence River, came into effect last Sunday, September 1, 2002."

Mr Dunn said NSW Fisheries staff caught the fisher using a net to fish for mullet on the Tweed River near Tweed Heads on May 16, 2002.

The man's net, fish and boat were seized. The net and fish were subsequently forfeited.

Mr Dunn warned NSW Fisheries staff are patrolling the new recreational fishing havens to ensure people abide by NSW fishing rules.

"There has been extensive publicity about locations of the new havens and commercial fishers should realise any illegal fishing in the havens will be treated seriously," he said.

Anyone concerned about illegal fishing activities should contact their local NSW Fisheries office or the Fishers Watch number 1800 043 536.

Detailed descriptions of the 30 new recreational fishing havens and more information are available on the NSW Fisheries website, just click here.

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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