An illegal fishing net found in Weston Creek has prompted a reminder from The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for fishers and water goers to obey local waterway rules.
EPA’s Narelle Sargent, said EPA officers would be especially heading into the warmer months, as a number of illegal nets were seized across the Territory last summer.
“Fishing traps can cause great harm to some of our protected species, having been responsible for the deaths of platypus, turtles and other fish and aquatic mammals,” Ms Sargent said.
“Canberrans are reminded that under ACT law, fish traps, enclosed nets and set lines are not permitted in the ACT’s lakes and rivers,” she said.
“The latest find of an ‘opera house’ style net occurred during a regular waterway inspection by EPA officers.”
Mrs Sargent said EPA officers were proactive in checking the Territory’s lakes and rivers including: monitoring algae and turbidity levels; retrieving samples of suspicious or potentially hazardous liquids for further analysis; and searching for persons or equipment in breach of ACT fishing regulations.
She said penalties of up to $5,000 apply to people found using illegal nets.
“It is important that we all work together to support the health of our waterways and that includes appropriate fishing activities.”
Mrs Sargent said anyone can report an issue or concerns to the EPA by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
