14-06-2005, 08:42 PM
The poachers AND the professionals take 1000 times more than legitimate rec. fishermen ever would (or could) take <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
And I could scarcely believe my eyes, but I saw my first ever fisheries inspectors last weekend - I was fishing from a kayak about 500m off Beaumaris (PPB), and two inspectors turned up on jetskis, checked about 5 of the 50+ boats in the area (not me though), and took off again. The coastguard also showed up and checked some boats for safety gear. Despite the fact that not many boats were inspected, it was good to at least see a presence on the water.
I would urge anyone who sees anything illegal, be it abalone, exceeded squid bag limits, or whatever, to call 13FISH (133 474). Fisheries can't be everywhere at once, but if you call this number, and provide details (and car rego#s if possible) they will (supposedly) turn up and take action. I think this is where some of our license fees go.
And I could scarcely believe my eyes, but I saw my first ever fisheries inspectors last weekend - I was fishing from a kayak about 500m off Beaumaris (PPB), and two inspectors turned up on jetskis, checked about 5 of the 50+ boats in the area (not me though), and took off again. The coastguard also showed up and checked some boats for safety gear. Despite the fact that not many boats were inspected, it was good to at least see a presence on the water.
I would urge anyone who sees anything illegal, be it abalone, exceeded squid bag limits, or whatever, to call 13FISH (133 474). Fisheries can't be everywhere at once, but if you call this number, and provide details (and car rego#s if possible) they will (supposedly) turn up and take action. I think this is where some of our license fees go.