Police patrol waterways for crayfish compliance, safety checks
Christmas crays are in high demand and Tasmania’s Marine Police are taking to our waterways to make sure locals are playing by the rules. WATCH THE PATROL IN ACTION >>
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CHRISTMAS crays are in high demand and Tasmania’s Marine Police have taken to our waterways to make sure locals play by the rules.
Police have detected more than 200 offences relating to rock lobsters (also referred to as crayfish) this season, which began in November and runs until April 30.
The Mercury captured the action on a ride along yesterday with Tasmanian Police Marine and Rescue Services Senior Constable Michael Barber, Sergeant Damian Bidgood and Senior Constable Karina Lane.
The team coasted out onto calm waters from Tinderbox Jetty yesterday morning to inspect the boats of recreational fishers and crayfishers.
Fisherman Bruce Hill was with two mates looking for a Christmas feed when the police visited his boat.
The occupational health and safety professional was across all the rules.
“I’ve been fishing with my wife for well over 30 years so we make sure we have good gear when we go out on the water,” he said.
“Certainly today we had everything in place, other than a few old flares mixed in with our new flares.”
Mr Hill was grateful police were checking size and bag limits, and licenses and safety equipment having noticed a decrease in sea life in recent years.
“Police are doing a good job, they need to be out there because it’s about fishing for the future – for my kids and their kids.”
Mr Hill will continue fishing over summer and looked forward to preparing his signature boiled crayfish with salad and chips and deep fried “abalone chips” for Christmas.
Yesterday’s ride along found people did the right thing at sea, but Sergeant Bidgood reminded locals to always check weather and water conditions before heading out.
He reminded boat drivers to keep their blood alcohol levels below 0.05.
“Make sure you’ve got all the right safety equipment on board,” he said.
“You’ve just got to be ready for anything to happen when you’re out there, it doesn’t matter where you are.”
Bag and possession limits information can be found in the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide at Service Tasmania, or via the Tas Fish app.
Illegal fishing can be reported to Fishwatch on 0427 655 557.
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