Man Cops Fine For Illegal Prawning

Newcastle Herald

Friday January 4, 2008

By PAUL MAGUIRE

A RECREATIONAL fisherman who staked two illegal prawn nets across the Hunter River near Maitland has been fined $7450, acting Primary Industries Minister Linda Burney said yesterday.

The 31-year-old, whose name was withheld for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in Maitland Local Court last month to unlawfully using nets and taking fish contrary to regulations at Oakhampton on November 11, 2005.

Ms Burney said the case was a warning that people who fished should be aware of NSW regulations.

Primary Industries officers regularly checked estuarine and ocean waters, she said.

Restrictions applied to recreational prawn fishing, including the use of nets from the head of the Hunter River, and its tributaries, to the Williams River junction from June 1 to September 30 each year. Hand-hauled prawn nets had to be registered with the Primary Industries Department.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home