Illegal fishing activity results in court conviction and fine

In early 2023, NSW DPIRD Fisheries Officers from the Sydney South district and the Greater Metropolitan Mobile Squad, acting on a tip-off from a member of the public via the Fishers Watch Hotline, uncovered a significant illegal operation at a residential property in Cabramatta.

The officers discovered 8,716 cockles, weighing 492kg in the backyard of the residence. After investigations, these cockles were seized as part of a black market operation.

On 15 October 2024, the individual appeared in Liverpool court for sentencing. After pleading guilty to all charges related to the unauthorised sale and possession of cockles, she was convicted on all four counts and fined a total of $12,700.

The magistrate noted the scale of the operation, reflecting that it was a commercial enterprise causing harm to legitimate businesses and the fines must reflect it was a commercial enterprise.

Fishing resources are not infinite. Regulations, including strict daily bag and possession limits, are in place to ensure that all fishers can share the resources now and into the future.

Harvesting of cockles and seafood in NSW is strictly regulated to ensure a responsible and viable fishing industry. Cockles are an integral part of marine ecosystems as filter feeders, having the capacity to filter large amounts of water.

Key reminders:

• It is illegal to sell recreational catch
• Purchasing fish, especially shellfish, from unlawful sellers can pose serious health risks
• Commercial seafood sold in shops and restaurants is safe to eat as the NSW Food Authority monitors the safety of commercially harvested shellfish.

For more information on the recreational harvesting of seafood, please visit NSW Food Authority website.

The rules and regulations for collecting invertebrates and Marine Parks, Aquatic Reserves and Intertidal Protected Areas throughout NSW are available on the NSW FishSmart app.

For more information on collecting please visit our website.

Anyone with information on suspected illegal fishing activity is urged to call the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or make a report online.