Uncooperative fisher nipped with hefty fine

A commercial fisher ended up in deeper water than he expected after landing himself in the Caboolture Magistrates Court over multiple offences. The man was fined $15,000 after he repeatedly failed to stop to allow Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers to inspect his vehicle and boat, did not maintain log books properly and had non-compliant nets.

The offences took place on a number of occasions, on and off the water over a period of about six months. In one instance the fisher motored away from QBFP officers on the Caboolture River throwing a number of fish overboard to avoid inspection.

The Magistrate noted the fishers lack of remorse, lack of cooperation with the administration of justice, disobedience to fisheries officers and disregard for the legislation protecting the resource.

QBFP first became aware of the fisher’s activities as a result of information provided via the toll-free 24-hour Fishwatch 1800 017 116 Hotline. While no conviction was recorded, the man was fined $15,000 plus costs and his nets were seized.

For information on Queensland’s fishing regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.