Two recreational fishers have been handed hefty fines totaling more than $3,000 for illegally netting, taking undersized fish and breaching the daily bag limits.
On February 28, Fisheries Officers attended a tidal creek south of Whyalla on the Eyre Peninsula and located 2 men in possession of:
- a 40-metre fish net
- 93 yellowfin whiting
- 7 mullet
- 4 undersized blue crabs
- 3 undersized salmon.
The catch of yellowfin whiting was more than twice the permitted daily amount of 40 fish for 2 people. Fisheries Officers seized all the fish, the net, 2 eskies, a pair of waders, and a storage tub.
Department of Primary Industries and Regions' Director Operations Fisheries and Aquaculture, Benn Gramola, said mesh nets must not be used in South Australian marine coastal waters.
'This is not a new rule and any recreational fishers who do use fish nets in coastal waters are operating well outside of community expectations,' he said.
'These types of activities are disappointing to see and have significant impacts on the sustainability of our precious state fisheries. It is important that if members of the public know of or observe these types of illegal activities to contact Fishwatch.
Anyone wishing to report suspicious or illegal fishing activity, including fish netting, can:
- contact their local Fisheries Officer
- call Fishwatch: 1800 065 522
- submit an online report – reports can be made anonymously.
Find more information on recreational fishing rules in South Australia.