13FISH tip off nets illegal fisher
by Melanie Curtis 22 Jan 2018 07:23 UTC
A member of the public who rang 13FISH last week has helped Fisheries Officers apprehend a man who had allegedly used an illegal 8.8 metre fish trap in Lara Lake.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Education and Enforcement, Ian Parks, said Fisheries Officers were able to respond immediately to the tip off on Tuesday evening, but were unable to locate the net initially.
"Surveillance of the area commenced and continued through the night and into the following day," Mr Parks said. "On Wednesday afternoon an 8.8 metre fish trap was located, removed from the water and found to contain a freshwater turtle and several native fish. Thankfully, all were returned to the water alive.'
"A suspected offender was identified and further investigations linked the man to the illegal net. He was interviewed by Fisheries Officers on Thursday evening. The use of unlawful fishing equipment is a serious offence punishable by penalties up to $31,000 and prohibitions from fishing."
Mr Parks said the apprehension of the alleged offender, and the successful release of the trapped wildlife and fish, were all thanks to a vigilant member of the public who had made the call and made the difference. "In the wrong hands, this net had the potential to catch a lot more fish and non-target species had it continued to go undetected."
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing is urged to call Fisheries' 24-hour reporting line, 13FISH (133474). You can remain anonymous.