Werribee South: Fishers charged after alleged illegal net haul

Four fishermen were allegedly caught using illegal nets to catch hundreds of fish in an early morning operation by authorities on a Melbourne river.

Hundreds of fish allegedly caught using an illegal trammel net have been seized from a river in Melbourne’s west as four fishermen face heavy penalties.

Officers from the Victorian Fisheries Authority were patrolling in the earlier hours of June 29, when they allegedly observed a boat operating on the Werribee River without a light.

The boat was intercepted at the Werribee South ramp, where officers allegedly uncovered 487 fish in two large bins, including 480 bream, seven perch and one flounder.

Hundreds of fish allegedly caught using an illegal net have been seized from a river in Melbourne’s west.

Victorian Fisheries Authority director of education and enforcement Ian Parks said the haul allegedly weighed about 180kg and six trammel nets that measured between 24 and 102 metres were seized.

“Mesh nets, including trammel nets, are prohibited equipment and cannot be used in any Victorian waters,” he said.

“Officers seized the vehicle, boat, trailer, fish, nets and all fishing equipment.”

A spokeswoman for the Victorian Fisheries Authority said the four people allegedly operating the boat were charged on summons on charges of using a prohibited net, exceeding daily catch limit, possessing undersized fish and safety offences.

They will appear in court at a later date.

“If you see or suspect illegal fishing, call VFA’s 24/7 reporting service, 13 FISH, to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer,” She said.

“You can remain anonymous. Make the call and make the difference.”