freshwater-recreational-fishing-guide-2016-17

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NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide
Fisheries officers
Fisheries officers
Fisheries officers play a key role in ensuring
our fisheries resources and the environment
remain healthy and sustainable into the future.
They advise a range of groups including
recreational fishers, commercial fishers, oyster
farmers plus the general community of fishing
rules and restrictions. They also patrol NSW
waters to optimise compliance with the state’s
fishing laws.
Fisheries officers patrol our coastal estuaries,
lakes and offshore waters plus our inland
rivers, streams and dams, seven days a week
both during the day and night. You’ll see
Fisheries officers at boat ramps, on beaches
and rivers, in vehicles, boats, aircraft and
on foot, just about everywhere there are
fish and fishers. They deal with recreational
fishers, commercial fishers, oyster farmers
and regularly visit fish shops and restaurants.
They also deal with conservation and habitat
protection issues and are regularly involved
in educational and advisory programs like
fishing clinics. Many Fisheries officers are keen
fishers and are happy to provide you with local
knowledge and tips on how and where to
catch a fish.
Under the Fisheries Management Act
1994 Fisheries officers have powers which
enable them to search your boat or vehicle, to
examine your fishing gear, fish and bait and
to require certain information including your
name and address. They can also require you
to lift any set fishing gear such as fishing lines,
hoop nets and crab traps from the water for
their inspection. In serious matters they can
also seize fish, fishing gear, boats and vehicles
and can make an arrest.
If you are found breaking the fisheries rules,
you may be issued with a written caution
or a penalty notice ranging between $75 to
$500. In serious matters you may have to face
court and have the matter determined by
a magistrate.
Your Recreational Fishing Fee is being used
in part to improve salt and freshwater fisheries
compliance and employs additional Fisheries
officers throughout the state.
Funds are utilised to provide a range of
equipment including patrol vehicles and
vessels, communications and surveillance
equipment as well as advisory signage. In
essence this means there is an increased
compliance service with more officers in the
field more often, with better equipment to
detect and deter illegal activity.
Fisheries officers are employed to ensure
that the rules are being complied with to aid
in the long term sustainability of fisheries
resources for the benefit and enjoyment of
present and future generations.