NSW

An illegal fisher was recently sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order with an additional fine of $500.00 in Belmont Local Court. NSW Fisheries Officers received a report via the Fishers Watch Hotline from a member of the public regarding illegal fishing activity at Moonee Beach, near Catherine Hill Bay, NSW. NSW Fisheries Officers investigated the report and 4 witnesses …

Forster and Central Coast artificial reefs are now in and available for recreational fishers in NSW! Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in building artificial reefs in NSW? Two new artificial reefs have recently been deployed off Forster and the Central Coast. Each reef has a footprint of 16m x 16m and are 12m high. These pictures show …

NSW DPI Fisheries Officers recently conducted a clean-up of abandoned and unmarked crab traps in the Port Stephens area preparing for the crab season ahead. A reminder to recreational fisherman targeting crabs to ensure they are marking their floats correctly and checking traps regularly to allow for safe release of undersize crabs, non-target fish or other wildlife species that may …

Mulloway are an important and iconic species for NSW commercial, recreational and Aboriginal cultural fishers, however stocks in NSW are currently classified as ‘depleted’. Recovering mulloway stocks in NSW is a key priority for NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries. Despite a range of fishing arrangements being implemented in the past, given the reported data DPI Fisheries managers and scientists …

Recreational fishers have a reason to celebrate, as new Offshore Artificial Reefs (OAR) have now been installed off Forster and the Central Coast. These newly installed OARs will be a stunning drawcard for locals and tourists alike to the region, increasing fishing opportunities for keen anglers hoping to snag a range of fish species, including yellowtail scad, kingfish and snapper. …

Fishing along the Clarence Coast of northern NSW has continued to produce some quality fish. Excellent catches of jewfish, bream, luderick and tailor were taken by the land-based anglers, while those who ventured offshore landed plenty of snapper, teraglin and an occasional big pearl perch. Mad keen local fisho Guy Stewart continued a good run in the jewfish stakes, landing …

Operation Symbion saw 13 inland and coastal Fisheries Officers undertake targeted patrols of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers over the opening weekend of the murray crayfish season and King’s birthday long weekend. For large inland operations like these, coastal officers often provide additional assistance, particularly those in the first year fisheries officer program, as these operations provide important professional development …

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie were tasked by Marine Area Command slightly after 6pm on Wednesday July 19 to assist with a multi-agency search for a fisher who was swept off rocks near Tacking Point. Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said crews were deployed on board Port Macquarie 30 and Port Macquarie 21. “Marine Rescue volunteers conducted a …

The great thing about being a jewfish angler and living on the Northern Rivers of NSW is that jewfish are able to be caught 24 hours a day, seven days a week – as long as you are willing to be adaptable and change fishing styles and locations as the weather conditions dictate. The headlands around Iluka, Evans Head, Ballina …

Rays are common around fish cleaning tables and play an important role as scavengers. DPI discourages fishers from deliberately targeting rays or interacting with them at boat ramps and cleaning table areas due to their local significance and ecological value. They are wild animals and with any wildlife it is important to act responsibly around them and treat them with …