Two men fined $7,000 for setlining on the Murray River

Two men have been fined more than $7,000 after being caught using illegal setlines in the Murray River upstream of Euston, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) announced today.

Glenn Tritton, DPI Principal Manager, Regional Services, said that one of the men, a 26-year-old from Mildura, was caught twice using illegal setlines, first in January and again in February this year. On the second occasion a 21-year-old man from Tasmania accompanied him.

Fisheries Officers seized eight setlines with a total of 170 hooks attached. Three murray cod were also seized and returned to the water alive.

The Tasmanian man faced Wentworth Local Court in June this year, and was fined $4,500 and ordered to pay $189 in court costs. The 26-year-old from Mildura faced Wentworth Local Court in July and was fined $1,800 and ordered to pay $567 in court costs.

"Fishers can only use four set lines to catch native fish in rivers west of the Great Dividing Range. Each line can only have one hook attached, and must be labelled with the fisher's name and address or boat registration. Different rules apply for trout or salmon fishing," said Mr Tritton.

"This case sends a clear message to illegal fishers: you will be caught. Fisheries Officers are constantly on the look-out for illegal fishing practices and will continue to target those who flout the rules".

"Our fish stocks are a community-owned resource and the NSW Department of Primary Industries is working to protect this resource for future generations," he said.

"Anyone with information on illegal fishing activity is urged to contact their local Fisheries Office or call the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536."

MEDIA CONTACTS: Doug Chapman on 8437 4915 or 0408 484 176