A BOAT Harbour fisherman is facing $44,000 fines or 12 months in prison.
A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Primary Industries told News Of The Area, “NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers apprehended a 28-year-old man at Boat Harbour in Port Stephens last week.”
“Fisheries officers allege that the man was in possession of 16 Eastern Rock Lobsters illegally.”
“It is an offence for recreational fishers to be in possession of more than two Eastern Rock Lobsters in NSW.”
“The maximum penalty is $44,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both.”
Bag limits are in place for most species of fish and crustaceans in NSW.
There are also laws around where a catch is cleaned or mutilated.
The spokesperson from the NSW Department of Primary Industries also told the News Of The Area, “In addition, it is also alleged that the man mutilated (tailed)10 of the Eastern Rock Lobsters in/on or adjacent to NSW waters.”
“It is an offence for a person to mutilate lobsters in, on or adjacent to any waters.”
“Maximum penalty is $5500.”
The Department of Primary Industries request that people report suspected illegal fishing activity by calling the Fishers Watch phone line 1800 043 536.
Bag and size limits are designed to protect the sustainability of the various species of fish and crustaceans in our waterways.
Anyone fishing in Port Stephens waters over the age of 18 requires a NSW Fishing licence and should check the Marine Park zones prior to fishing.
By Marian SAMPSON