freshwater-recreational-fishing-guide-2018-19

69 Fisheries officers
NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide Fisheries officers
Fisheries officers have an important role in
helping our fisheries resources remain healthy
and sustainable into the future. They advise
recreational and commercial fishers and the
general community on fishing and marine
estate rules and restrictions and patrol NSW
waters to ensure everyone is abiding by the
state’s fishing and marine protected area laws.
Fisheries officers patrol our waterways
including coastal estuaries, lakes and offshore
waters plus our inland rivers, streams and
dams, seven days a week. You will see fisheries
officers at boat ramps, on beaches and rivers,
in boats, aircraft and on foot, just about
everywhere there are fish and fishers. They
deal with recreational fishers, commercial
fishers, fish farmers, fish shops and restaurants.
They also provide education and enforcement
in marine parks and aquatic reserves, assist
with conservation issues and education and
advisory programs. Most fisheries officers are
keen fishers and are happy to provide you with
local knowledge and tips for a given area.
Under the Fisheries Management Act 1994
fisheries officers have powers which enable
them to stop and search your boat and vehicle,
examine your fishing gear, inspect your fish
and bait and 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 $100 to
$2500. In serious matters you may have to
face court and have the matter determined by
a magistrate. Most serious fisheries offences
have maximum fines up to $22,000 and terms
of imprisonment. Some fisheries offences carry
a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.
Your recreational fishing fee contributes
to improving salt and freshwater fisheries
compliance and employs additional fisheries
officers throughout the state.
This results in more fisheries officers spending
time in the field with better equipment to
detect and deter illegal activity.
Remember that fisheries officers are there to
ensure the rules are being adhered to so there
will be healthy fisheries for the enjoyment of
future generations.
Fisheries officers