Recreational fisher fined $7,500

A recreational fisher has been fined $7,500 after being found with nearly a kilometre of commercial-sized fishing nets.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the Mackay Magistrates court found that the man was guilty on three charges related to illegal fishing

"The first charge was in relation to the number and size of nets that the man had been found with," Mr Mulherin said.

"During the initial search of the fisherman's property between Mackay and Rockhampton in 2009, officers found 23 commercial-sized fishing nets.

"The nets ranged in size from 18 to 77 metres in length with a mesh size ranging from 65 to 170mm.

"Under Queensland law, the largest size net a fisher can use recreationally is 16 metres and the mesh size a maximum of 28mm.

"Anything over this is considered commercial apparatus and the fisher would need a commercial fishing licence to possess the gear."

Mr Mulherin said the second charge was in relation to the man's use of the nets.

"It is illegal to be in possession of a commercial-sized fishing net without a licence and it is also illegal to use the net," Mr Mulherin said.

"The fisher used the nets every two to three months and took fish for his own consumption as well as to supply his friends, family and neighbours.

"Sometimes he also allowed his friends and employees onto his property to use his nets to take fish from the river."

Mr Mulherin said the third charge was in relation to the man aiding others to fish for barramundi during a seasonal closure.

"Closures are in place to protect barramundi stocks at a vulnerable time in their life cycle," he said.

"Fishers should not target barramundi during a closure. If barramundi is caught during this time it should be released immediately.

"The court decision today is a win for Queensland's fisheries.

"Illegal ly netting such as this has adverse impacts on our fisheries resources and can affect future sustainability.

"This was a job well done by our Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol the investigation was carried out by officers from both Mackay and Yeppoon."

To report suspected illegal fishing activity phone the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116.

For more information about Queensland's fishing rules visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au and click on 'Fisheries' or phone 13 25 23.

Latest information will also be available via Twitter - www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD or find us on Facebook under Fisheries-Queensland.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
23/08/2010

Permanent Link: Recreational fisher fined $7,500
Publish Date: 23 Aug 10