NSW DPI is asking the public to take a stand against illegal fish traps across the inland by reporting the activity to its Fishers Watch services.
Fisheries officers have observed more offenders attempting to take fish using illegal fish traps, as higher water flows have increased native fish movement across NSW inland rivers.
Since commencing Operation Guardian on July 1 this year, officers have seized 33 fish traps, issued a significant number of penalty notices and commenced prosecution briefs after catching offenders using fish traps on the Barwon, Darling, Lachlan and Murray Rivers.
These include:
A 57-year-old male from Lake Cargelligo NSW with 3 fish traps,
A 49-year old female and 50-year-old male from Cobar NSW using 2 fish traps near Tilpa NSW,
A 66-year-old male from Cobar NSW using one fish trap also near Tilpa NSW,
A 70-year-old male from Brewarrina NSW using 2 fish traps.
Four men (2 men aged 59 and 71 from Euston NSW, a 44 year old male from Merbein VIC and 47 year old male from Red Cliffs VIC) who are likely to appear in court for alleged fish trapping offences.
It is common knowledge that fish trapping is illegal in NSW inland rivers which can also indiscriminately drown turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife.
Officers will continue to step up patrols across these rivers over coming months using surveillance and technology to catch these offenders in the act.
Report illegal fishing to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or report it via the DPI website at https://fal.cn/3gJWh.
