Commercial fisher apprehended with illegal catch

A commercial fisher from Umina has been apprehended in possession of illegally-taken lobster and mulloway.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries acting compliance director, Mr Tony Andrews, said the Central Coast team was joined by Statewide Operations and Investigations Group officers in June in an operation to crack down on compliance within the "estuary general fishery" off Patonga.

"The 36-year-old commercial fisherman was found in possession of 44 live Eastern Rock Lobsters and 12 prohibited size mulloway," Mr Andrews said.

"He also admitted to oversetting his meshing nets, which is a separate offence as Estuary General Fishers are prohibited from retaining Eastern Rock Lobster caught in meshing nets," he said.

"This fisherman has breached five regulations of the Act, including possessing illegally taken fish and unlawful use of a net or trap," Mr Andrews said.

The fisherman was apprehended and the Eastern Rock Lobsters were returned to the water by officers.

Under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, the fisherman faces maximum penalties of between six months and 10 years imprisonment and up to $44,000 in fines.

"Stealing fish and black marketing, as well as damage to fish habitats are serious problems that can impact on the sustainability of our fish stocks across NSW.

"We encourage anyone who sees illegal fishing activity to report it to their nearest Fisheries office, phone our hotline or make an online report," said Mr Andrews.

Commercial fishers in the region were reminded to adhere to the fishing regulations for Eastern Rock Lobsters and estuary fish species.

Media release, 19 Jul 2016

Mel Hamling, NSW Department of Primary Industries