Illegal netters catch a hefty fine
by Bronte Ryan 12 Jan 2018 05:11 UTC
Illegal netters catch a hefty fine © Bronte Ryan
A man and woman have pleaded guilty to a number of fisheries offences and were fined more than $6,500 at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court this week.
The pair were caught with 112 litres of mussels and two trammel nets over 100 metres long, at the Metung Yacht Club last August.
They pleaded guilty to charges of taking and possessing more than the catch limit for mussels, and possessing multiple trammel nets, at the court on 10 January 2018.
The male has been handed a fine of $3,500 and the female has also received a fine of $3,000, as part of an aggregate order.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Prosecutor, Matt Bateson, said It is prohibited for anyone to possess a trammel net anywhere in Victoria.
"There is also a 10 litres per person catch limit for mussels."
"The actions of individuals wishing to behave in this manor has a very negative impact on both the environment and fish stocks in Gippsland," Mr Bateson said.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13FISH (133474), anytime.
For more information about catch limits and permitted equipment download the free 'Vic Fishing' app for smartphones or obtain a free Recreational Fishing Guide, which is also available online at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide