From the Department of Primary Industries

Friday January 25, 2008

MEN FACE CHARGES FOR NATIVE FISH CATCH AT LAKE MOKOAN

Four men will be charged after being caught by Fisheries Victoria Officers illegally taking native fish at Lake Mokoan.

The men were caught as part of on-going operations by Fisheries Victoria targeting people
illegally taking native fish species.

Fisheries Victoria Northern Region Operations Manager Mike Hosking said four Melbourne men were apprehended at Lake Mokoan near Benalla this week.

“Fisheries Officers seized a quantity of illegal fishing equipment, two inflatable boats and 50 golden perch, of which 19 fish were under the legal size limit.

“Each man will be charged under the Victorian Fisheries Act with offences of exceeding the bag limit, undersized fish and possession and use of commercial fishing equipment,” Mr Hosking said.

“The men were intercepted by Fisheries Officers after being observed working ‘set lines’ from two boats.

“The use of this type of fishing equipment is prohibited because it has an unsustainable impact on fish populations,” Mr Hosking said.

“The set lines used by these men are classed as commercial equipment and cannot be used
anywhere in Victorian inland waters,” Mr Hosking said

Fisheries Victoria uses routine patrolling and targeted investigations to ensure fish now and for the future.

Illegal fishing in Victorian waters can be reported to the Victorian Fisheries reporting hotline 13 FISH (13 3474).