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Pair reported for illegal fishing near Renmark

Tuesday, 29 December, 2009

Holiday-makers are being reminded to be aware of fishing regulations after two people were reported for illegal fishing on the River Murray on Boxing Day.

A man and a woman, both in their sixties, have been reported for using illegal fishing gear, taking protected species and taking undersized fish.

The pair was detected by PIRSA Fisheries compliance officers, who observed them fishing at Plush Bend, about 4km downstream from Lock 5 at Renmark.

Officers seized a boat, a trailer, a 50-hook long-line, a dab net, a grapple and a quantity of fish, including silver perch, which is a protected species under the Fisheries Management Act, and undersized golden perch.

The maximum penalties for using illegal gear and taking undersized fish are $5000, while maximum penalties for taking protected species are $10,000.

Fisheries officers observed the pair’s activities as a result of information provided by a member of the public through the FISHWATCH hotline.

PIRSA Fisheries Senior Fisheries Officer Inland Waters, David Grant, said illegal fishing would not be tolerated.

“I encourage all fishers to make sure they fully understand the rules that apply to recreational fishing in South Australia,” Mr Grant said. “They need to know size limits, which species are protected and what sort of fishing equipment is legal.

“This incident also shows that members of the public have an important role to play in assisting Fisheries officers to protect the state’s fisheries resources.”
 
Anyone can report illegal fishing by calling the 24-hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522.

Callers will speak to a Fisheries officer and can choose to remain anonymous. All information provided assists PIRSA Fisheries to better plan future patrols and targeted investigations.