Heavy fines and costs for uncooperative spearfishermen

Two men were recently convicted and fined $4000 each for being in possession of spearguns and attempting to take fish while in the Brunswick River Habitat Protection Zone of Cape Byron Marine Park.

In addition one of the men was convicted for providing a false name to Fisheries Officers and fined an additional $1200.

Cape Byron Marine Park Fisheries Officers observed the men spearfishing in the Brunswick River, which is an estuary within Cape Byron Marine Park completely protected from spearfishing. Fisheries Officers collected video of the spearfishing activity before approaching the men and asking them to bring their spearguns out of the water. The men hid their spearguns and were uncooperative with Fisheries Officers. After the men absconded, the Fisheries Officers who are trained Occupational Divers entered the water and retrieved the spearguns used by the men. One of the spearguns had a Sweetlip fish impaled on the end of the spear.

Spearfishing in the Brunswick River might normally result in a $500 infringement notice, however, the uncooperative behaviour and flouting of marine park rules by the spearfishermen resulted in Fisheries Compliance prosecuting the matters in the Mullumbimby Local Court.

These heavy fines and court costs send a strong message to any individuals who are considering ignoring marine park and/or fisheries rules or behaving uncooperatively towards Fisheries Officers while they are performing the important job of protecting our aquatic habitats and fisheries for current and future generations.

To report illegal fishing, call the Fishers Watch phone line 1800 043 536 or report online at fal.cn/3fMUz.