Reply With Quote
Improvements to fishing laws debated in Parliament
31 March, 2004
Unlicensed commercial fishing will attract hefty new penalties under legislation to go before State Parliament this week.
The changes would see fines for unlicensed commercial fishing raised to a maximum of $110,000 for individuals and $220,000 for corporations.
The practice needs to be stamped out because it jeopardises the sustainability of NSW’s fish stocks as well as the livelihoods of commercial fishers around NSW.
The Government is hoping these heavier penalties – up from the current $11,000 – will act as more of a deterrent against those wanting to take part in “shamamateurism”.
This is part of the Government’s broader agenda of introducing a new share management scheme for commercial fishers.
The Fisheries Management Act is being amended to support this new scheme and to streamline the licensing of commercial fishers.
The amendments will also broaden the offence of harming marine vegetation, such as mangroves and seagrasses.
The share management scheme, which began on March 26 for the State’s major commercial fisheries, gives commercial fishers long-term security by guaranteeing their fishing rights.
Share management literally gives fishers a share in their own fisheries, helping to make the industry more sustainable and profitable.
The legislative changes will improve management of the NSW seafood industry, which is worth more than half a billion dollars to the State’s economy each year.
The changes will also benefit commercial fishers by streamlining administration and cutting bureaucratic ‘red tape’.
