Ella Fisher June 14, 2012
A 31-year-old Bateman's Bay man has been found guilty of illegally using an ocean hauling net on the South Coast in breach of a good behaviour bond.
The repeat offender has been fined $10,000, ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and placed on another five year good behaviour bond.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said fisheries officers found the man fishing as part of a licensed fishing crew on Mullimburra Head, south of Moruya.
The offender held a commercial fishing license but was warned the day before he was charged that he was not permitted to actively fish with the crew by fisheries officers.
"To use, or assist someone to use, a general purpose hauling net, individuals must have an endorsement," said Mr Tritton.
Mr Tritton said the tough penalties act a reminder to fishers to abide by commercial fishing rules or risk facing the consequences.
The offender's previous fishing conviction was for illegal abalone fishing in 2009.