$3,400 fine for illegal prawn fishing

[nsw_fisheries]

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/news...pr10_prawn.htm

"This document has been posted for information and to encourage discussion among yourselves. For more information from NSW Fisheries on the issue, please visit our web site on www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au"

[Lucky-Phill]

$3,400 fine for illegal prawn fishing

April 10, 2003

A 67-year-old Port Macquarie man caught with three times the legal recreational limit of prawns on the Hastings River has been fined $3,400 today in Port Macquarie Local Court.

The Director of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said NSW Fisheries officers inspected the man’s boat in January and found a plastic box with 33 litres of prawns.

“Recreational fishers are allowed a maximum of one 10-litre bucket of prawns per day,” Mr Dunn said.

“NSW Fisheries also alleged the man caught the prawns by trawling with a net. Trawling in the Hastings River has been banned for many years.”

“The Hastings River and its tributaries, including the Maria River where the man was caught, are a recreational fishing haven where all forms of commercial fishing are banned.”

In Port Macquarie Local Court today, the man was fined $2,200 for possessing illegally taken prawns, and $1,200 for possessing more than the maximum limit of prawns. He pleaded guilty to both offences.

The man’s boat, motor and trailer were seized when he was apprehended.

Mr Dunn said NSW Fisheries officers regularly patrol the Hastings River recreational fishing haven to ensure fishing rules are being obeyed.

“NSW Fisheries will continue to investigate and charge those who breach State fishing rules,” he said.

“Our fish stocks are a community-owned resource and NSW Fisheries is working to protect this resource for future generations.”


Good work guys !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Phill

[inonsw]

poor old bloke probly been doing it for years

the pro across ffrom him probly got 200kg and stuffed the bottom of the river and all the gar and small prawns but pros can poor old mate $100 kilo prawns must have tasted good

[clutter]

I think you'll find that the article said that the river is "recreation only" so there would be no pro activity anyway.
Rules are rules and ignorance is no escuse.

Clutter