An illegal net has been seized by Fisheries Officers on the South Coast after tip-off from a member of the public.
The 200 metre mesh net contained a large quantity of fish, stingrays, and a cormorant and was recovered from the Batemans Marine Park in the Clyde River Habitat Protection Zone.
Netting is prohibited in the Clyde River and the net was hidden below the surface and had no visible floats.
The informant encountered the net when it became tangled in their boat motor propeller and reported it immediately to the Fishers Watch Phoneline.
Fisheries Officers were able to remove the net and return many of the fish back to the water alive.
According to DPI Fisheries illegal and unattended nets and traps can be harmful to the environment, as they are able to continue catching and killing animals as long as they are in the water.
Thanks to a timely tip-off from the public the net was able to be removed before it could cause further harm.
To report illegal fishing or abandoned gear call the Fishers Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536 or report it online HERE.
Images: NSW DPI Fisheries
