Dumping evidence leads to big fine for recreational fisher

A recreational fisher who tried to throw away evidence of his illegal fishing activities has been fined $2,600.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the man was fishing at Susan River near Hervey Bay in February last year when he was approached by a Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers.

“During the inspection the man grabbed a bucket from an officer and threw the contents overboard before it could be inspected.” Mr Furner said.

“The officer saw two undersized yellowfin bream in the bucket as it was dumped. The fisher was also charged with using crab apparatus without the owner’s name and address marked.

“We make no apologies for being tough on illegal fishing. This is what it takes to build a legacy of a sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren.”

Mr Furner said the fisher was fined in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court for obstruction, possessing undersized fish and crabbing offences.

“While the majority of fishers do the right thing, there are still too many of these type of cases before the courts,” he said.

“Our state’s fisheries resources belong to all Queenslanders and it’s our job to protect fish stocks for the future.”

People who suspect illegal fishing activity should report it to the 24 hour toll-free Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

For more information on Queensland fishing rules and regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920

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