Fisheries officers have cracked the whip on illegal fishing in the Central West, which they say is putting unnecessary pressure on fish stocks already under stress from drought conditions.
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NSW Department of Primary Industries Director Fisheries Compliance Patrick Tully said compliance patrols conducted since Easter have unearthed some concerning behaviour.
"Fisheries officers targeting illegal fishing activities in the Lachlan River near Forbes found 57 people committing a total of 70 offences," Mr Tully said.
Eight prohibited sized Murray Cod and 22 Murray Cod fillets were seized, along with 28 illegal set lines.
- NSW Department of Primary Industries Director Fisheries Compliance Patrick Tully
"While most offenders were issued official cautions for minor offences, 31 on-the-spot fines were issued, totalling $9,250.
"Eight prohibited sized Murray Cod and 22 Murray Cod fillets were seized, along with 28 illegal set lines."
One notable offender, a 42-year-old woman from Parkes, was issued on-the-spot fines totalling $1,000 after being found in possession of five prohibited size Murray Cod and taking more than daily bag limit.
Fisheries officers also monitored trout spawning streams in the Monaro region, checking 312 anglers.
Mr Tully said compliance with the rules was generally good but 17 offences were detected on Eucumbene River, Thredbo River, Lake Jindabyne and Tantangara Dam.
"People in western NSW should be able to enjoy fishing and the social and economic benefits it brings to the regions without fear of having these valuable resources compromised by the thoughtless and selfish acts of others," Mr Tully said.
"The courts take a dim view of illegal fishing too with a man convicted last month in Wentworth Local Court for unlawful use of eight traps and possessions of fish taken illegally from the Darling River near Pooncarie. He was fined $2,150 and given an intensive corrections order for 14 months."
If anyone suspects illegal taking native freshwater fish in NSW, they should report it to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.
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