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11:16 AM Tue 21 Apr 2009 GMT
A state-wide operation on illegal fishing activity has resulted in 249 infringement notices being issued, revealing not all fishers are obeying fishing laws, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.
'More than 4,600 fishers were checked by fisheries officers over the Easter long weekend,' Minister Macdonald said.
'I am pleased to report the vast majority of fishers complied with the laws.
'However, 249 infringement notices were issued for a range of offences including failing to hold a recreational fishing license, illegal use of fishing gear and offences associated with bag and size limits.
'Some of the seizures made by fisheries officers included 970 molluscs on the North Coast and 85 abalone on the South Coast for being either undersized or exceeding the bag limit.'
Minister Macdonald said a significant number of illegal set lines were also seized in inland waters.
'A range of equipment and fish have been seized as part of the operation across the State,' he said.
'It's disappointing that time and time again, we're getting people that completely disregard the hard work that's going into sustaining our fisheries resources.
'Most of these laws have been in place for many years - so in most instances there's just no excuse.
'Illegal fishing threatens valuable fish stocks, undermines licensed commercial fishers, sustainable recreational fishing and the regional economies they support.
'We all have a responsibility to protect and safeguard our fisheries resources for future generations.'
Information about fishing rules and regulations in NSW can be found on the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.
Anyone witnessing illegal fishing activity should report it immediately to DPI Fisheries Officers or the Fisher's Watch Line on 1800 043 536.
by Ian Macdonald-NSW Minister for Primary Industries
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