Fines On Tight Lines In Licence Shortage
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday January 6, 2009
ANGLERS risk fines of up to $2200 if they fish illegally in the Hunter, because of a shortage of fishing licences.
Major fishing stores in Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens have sold out of licences after larger than usual numbers of anglers wet a line over Christmas and the new year.Other outlets such as newsagents and service stations have licences but have been bypassed by the hordes of holiday makers who do not know where to go and cannot access licences online.The Herald reported last week that the number of Fisheries officers in the Hunter had dropped from six to two, leaving illegal fishing to run rife.NSW Fisheries sells three-day, one-month, 12-month and three-year licences for $6, $12, $30 and $75 respectively.EcoFishers Newcastle vice-president Peter Sanderson said yesterday the number of fishers on Lake Macquarie went up by about 20 per cent this year, increasing demand, but said it was the third year in a row that licence shortages were reported."I just don't think there's enough forward planning by Fisheries and I don't think it's advertised efficiently enough where you can get licences," he said.Fishermans Warehouse Marks Point owner Jason Nunn said he ran out of his allowance of licences a week ago and could not obtain more because of the holidays.He said he was turning away up to 50 people a day wanting licences.Some were choosing other sports, costing business, and others were fishing illegally.A spot fine of $200 applies for fishing without a licence and the maximum penalty is $2200.A spokesman for NSW Fisheries said it had encouraged outlets to order adequate supplies before the holiday rush.Fishing licence retailers and applications can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 365.Some retailers have refused to sell fishing licences in the Hunter, saying it stretches resources.Online poll www.theherald.com.au
© 2009 Newcastle Herald
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