PROTECTING GOLDEN PERCH STOCKS FOR ALL

[fishingvic]

PROTECTING GOLDEN PERCH STOCKS FOR ALL

A joint investigation by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and NSW DPI Fisheries has resulted in the most significant penalty relating to a freshwater species in Victoria in the last 20 years.

The investigation found that between 2017 and 2019, a 40-year-old man had illegally netted almost 12 tonnes of golden perch from the Darling River and sold them on 56 occasions for a total of $205,600.

The man was convicted by a NSW court for illegally netting fish from the Darling River and a Victorian court for selling them to a wholesaler in Melbourne.

Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Education and Enforcement Ian Parks said that the joint operation has successfully disrupted and dismantled the illegal take of native fish from inland waterways.

“The unauthorised use of mesh nets is a danger to fish and wildlife, and seafood caught in this way can be a health risk to consumers. This remains a high priority for Fisheries Officers in both states,” Mr Parks said.

If you see or suspect illegal fishing in Victoria, call our 24/7 reporting service, 13FISH (133474), to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer. You can remain anonymous.

Media contact: Joel Peterson 0436 623 647

[Paulanderson]

So what was the penalties please?

[Brett]

So what was the penalties please?

When it comes to looking after our native fish, the rules most fishers abide by play an important part in protecting treasured species like Murray cod, yellas and Maccas.
That’s why our Fisheries Officers have worked with their NSW counterparts to disrupt the activity of a man who’d been illegally netting and selling golden perch.
Between 2017 and 2019 the 40-year-old man had illegally netted almost 12 tonnes of golden perch from the Darling River and sold them in Melbourne on 56 occasions for a total of $205,600.
In March a penalty order was issued for $205,600. The man had previously been fined $11,000 by a Victorian court and $15,000 by a NSW court along with forfeiting his boat and equipment.
The joint operation between our Fisheries Officers and NSW DPI Fisheries successfully dismantled the illegal take of the prized native fish from a major inland waterway.
VFA Director of Enforcement and Education Ian Parks said several dangers had been posed by the behaviour.
“The unauthorised use of mesh nets is a danger to fish and wildlife, and seafood caught in this way can be a health risk to consumers. This remains a high priority for Fisheries Officers in both states,” he said.
Remember, if you see or suspect illegal fishing in Victoria, call our 24/7 reporting service, 13FISH (133474), to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer. You can remain anonymous.

[Paulanderson]

Thanks Brett - amazing he could get away with it for so long!