FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

FISHERIES PATROLS OPERATING ALL HOURS IN GIPPSLAND

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Gippsland Fisheries Officers have warned people who want to flout the fishing regulations that they could be caught anytime.

Fisheries Victoria’s Senior Fisheries Officer in Traralgon, Errol Parmigiani said there is an active and varying roster throughout the region and officers will be looking out for anyone who threatens the sustainability of fishing in Victoria.

"Most people understand the need for closed seasons for some species and for confining their catches to legal bag and size limits,” Mr Parmigiani said.

"We also spend a lot of time explaining the need for regulations and teaching people the benefits of obeying the laws.

"However, sometimes we encounter short sighted and selfish people.

"Last week Fisheries Officers were undertaking a covert patrol in the rivers and streams north of Warragul.”

Mr Parmigiani said a 49-year-old man from Croydon, in Melbourne’s northeast, was intercepted after dark by Officers along the Tarago River.

"We will be alleging the man was using a spear and torch to take trout during the closed season,” he said.

"Two multi-prong spears, one brown trout, a torch and other equipment were seized.

"It is an offence to take or possess trout during the salmonid closed season.

"It is also an offence to take fish in inland waters with a spear or to possess a spear next to those waters.

"We will continue to conduct patrols in the rivers and streams during the salmonid closed season, as they are vulnerable during this period."

Fisheries Victoria is stocking fish across the state, in lakes and impoundments but large sections of most major rivers are closed to give the fish a chance to spawn.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13-FISH, (13-3474).