Eel thief fined $1,000

A 34-year-old man from Gulmarrad, near Maclean, faced Grafton Local Court this week, charged with illegally trapping eels in the Clarence River.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Manager, Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said the man was caught on 22 July trapping eels in freshwater near Baryulgil, northwest of Grafton.

"Fisheries officers saw the man committing a number of offences involving the illegal use of eel traps," Mr Tritton said.

"At the time he was caught, over 70kilograms of eels were also seized and returned to the water alive."

The man was fined $1,000 and the Court ordered the forfeiture of his boat, motor and five eel traps.

"The use of eel traps is banned in freshwater rivers and streams," said Mr Tritton.

"One of the most concerning issues for NSW DPI is that when illegally used in freshwater, eel traps can trap and drown air-breathing native wildlife such as platypuses, freshwater turtles and native water rats. These are all protected species."

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