An operation by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to target illegal shellfish collecting in the Sydney metropolitan region has netted the seizure of more than 6,000 marine invertebrates.
DPI’s Operation Turbo Reef, run by the Department’s Fisheries Compliance Unit cited 337 offences and issued $63,000 in fines.
Acting Director of Fisheries Compliance at NSW DPI, Brett Andrew said the operation was now in its seventh year.
“Many of the headlands of the Sydney region are Intertidal Protected Area (IPAs) or Aquatic Reserves,” Mr Andrew said.
“These areas are closed to the collecting of shellfish and invertebrates to protect marine life and conserve important habitat and nursery areas for marine species,” he said.
Mr Andrew urged fishers to ensure they complied with fishing rules and regulations.
“Fishers are reminded that if they wish to collect invertebrates, they must ensure that they are doing so in an area that is open to collecting, pay the recreational fishing fee unless exempt, and stick to strict collection methods and bag and size limits,” he said.
He said knowledge of the rules and regulations was particularly important as consuming invertebrates from some Sydney waterways carried risk.
Mr Andrews said anyone with information on illegal activity was encouraged to call the Fishers Watch line on 1800 043 536.
