Rodney Stevens

A recreational fisherman who was recently caught by NSW Fisheries officers in possession of a commercial style meshing net at Iluka recently has had his boat seized.

NSW Fisheries officers allegedly observed the man on a boat in Iluka Bay with a homemade trawl net set up ready for deployment.

The man’s boat was intercepted by NSW Fisheries officers who searched the boat and found a commercial style meshing net, plus the homemade trawl net.

NSW Fisheries seized the man’s 4.2 metre aluminium Quintrex boat and the illegal fishing gear he had on board.

The man is expected to appear in court over the alleged offences.

The maximum penalty for a person found in possession of illegal fishing gear in NSW waters in $22,000 and/or six months jail (or both) for a first offence.

Anyone who sees people fishing illegally is encouraged to report the alleged offences to Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536 or via the NSW DPI website https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/report-illegal-activity