NSW Fisheries Acts on Illegal Fishing in Lake Macquarie

November 25, 2002

A 23-year-old man from Westleigh in northern Sydney will face illegal fishing charges after NSW Fisheries staff seized two large meshing nets in the Lake Macquarie recreational fishing haven.

The Director of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said the submerged nets, measuring around 500m in length, were found at Wyee Point after a report from a concerned member of the community.

“This is the first incident of its kind on the lake and follows extensive NSW Fisheries patrols since the haven was created,” Mr Dunn said.

“Since May 1, 2002, Lake Macquarie has been protected from commercial fishing nets as part of the NSW Government’s move to create 30 recreational fishing havens along the NSW Coast.”

Only recreational fishing is allowed in Lake Macquarie – that means hook and line only, plus hoop nets for crabs, and scoop, dip and six metre hand-hauled nets for prawns.

Mr Dunn said NSW Fisheries staff constantly patrol all 30 recreational fishing havens to ensure fishers are abiding by the State’s fishing rules.

“Our staff have carried out numerous patrols of Lake Macquarie in recent months and found a high level of compliance with fishing rules,” he said.

“There has been extensive publicity about locations of the 30 new havens, and anyone planning to use commercial nets in havens will be prosecuted.”

The maximum fine for using mesh nets in recreational fishing havens is $22,000. From January 1, 2003 the maximum fine for individuals will increase to $110,000.

A North Coast commercial fisher, 26, was recently fined $6000 for fishing with nets in the recreational fishing haven on the Tweed River.

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

More press releases here...