Fisheries officers saw the 54-year-old man setting a 68-metre meshing net in the Tuross River in April.

Tuross River is a declared recreational fishing haven and also a habitat protection zone within the Batemans Marine Park, adding further importance to its status as being protected from commercial fishing.

The man faced Moruya Local Court earlier this month on charges of unlawfully using a net and taking fish in a marine park without permission.

He was convicted of each charge, placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond, fined $500 and had his boat and motor, worth $3500, forfeited to the Crown.

“This conviction sends a clear message that the use of commercial fishing gear in a recreational fishing haven will not be tolerated by the courts,” DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton said.

“In this case, the magistrate made specific reference to the fact that the man had been caught and convicted of similar offences in 2008.

“The Tuross River has been protected from commercial fishing since 2002 when it was declared a recreational fishing haven, a status it shares with 29 other estuaries in NSW, which is designed to provide quality recreational fishing opportunities.

“Recreational fishers are not permitted to use or possess commercial fishing gear, such as meshing nets, in, on or adjacent to any NSW waters.

“This conviction for offences that damage our fish stocks in NSW is a timely reminder that the courts will punish offenders who flaunt the law.”

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing can contact the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536; or lodge a report online through the DPI website: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au