LOCAL fishers will receive infringement notices for exceeding the catch limits on cockles and not having a recreational fishing licence.
This issue of notices follows a recent weekend operation by fisheries officers at McLoughlins Beach, where catches were seized.
Victorian Fisheries Authority education and enforcement director Ian Parks said two officers accessed McLoughlins Beach on jet skis at low tide, which is when cockle fishers typically walk the flats.
“They checked 16 cockle fishers on the Saturday and were pleased that everyone who required a recreational fishing licence had one, and nobody had exceeded the catch limit of 5 litres per person per day,” Mr Parks said.
“All the fishers collecting cockles on the first day were using legal methods, hands and feet, and no digging tools such as shovels or trowels were observed.”
But the Sunday proved to be a different story.
Mr Parks said on that day fisheries officers worked with Victoria Police on what was one of the busiest days ever for cockle collection in the area.
“A significant number of inspections were done on the Sunday and several people had either exceeded the catch limit and-or did not have a recreational fishing licence.”
Mr Parks said a concerned member of the public also made a timely call to 13FISH to provide accurate information that enabled fisheries officers and police to intercept a car outside of town.
“Upon inspection, officers discovered 21 litres of cockles in the vehicle,” he said.
“The catch was seized and the occupants will receive infringement notices for exceeding the catch limit and not having a recreational fishing licence.”
Mr Parks said it is important fishers knew the catch limits, licensing requirements, and permitted methods of harvest.
“We want Victorians to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends, and to do it sustainably so we can all enjoy these wonderful fisheries in the years ahead,” he said.
People who see or suspect illegal fishing can report it to 13FISH (133 474) any time.
