Four people will face court after a night patrol conducted by Melbourne Fisheries Officers detected one boat carrying more than 480 fish aboard and illegal fishing equipment.
Fisheries officers said a night patrol observed a boat, which had launched from Werribee South, allegedly using a trammel net and often operating without a light.
Victorian Fisheries Authority education and enforcement director Ian Parks said when the boat was retrieved at the ramp, officers allegedly found about 480 bream, seven estuary perch, and one flounder.
“The haul of fish weighed about 180kg and was located by officers in two large fish bins throughout the floor of the boat along with six trammel nets that measured between 24 and 102 metres,” Mr Parks said.
Officers then seized the vehicle, boat, trailer, fish, nets and all fishing equipment.
“The four people involved will appear in court to face offences including using and possessing a prohibited trammel net to take fish, exceeding the daily catch limit, possessing undersize fish as well as a range of safety offences,” Mr Parks said.
“Mesh nets, including trammel nets, are prohibited equipment and cannot be used in any Victorian waters.”
Details: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/recreationalfishingguide
