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Some of the undersized kingfish seized by DPI fisheries officers during the operation.

A recent compliance operation targeting fishers retaining prohibited size kingfish in the Sydney region, has resulted in the apprehension of a number of fishers and the seizure of many small fish, says DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer, Chris Clarke.

“The operation was conducted last month by DPI fisheries officers in the Sydney North District after receiving information that there was allegedly a number of prohibited size Yellowtail Kingfish being caught by recreational and commercial fishers,” Mr Clarke said.

“Yellowtail Kingfish are a highly valuable recreational and commercial species and are listed as a ‘priority’ species under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Fishing in and around Sydney is currently very good, with lots of Yellowtail Kingfish being caught. The operation targeted fishers in Middle Harbour, Pittwater, Sydney Harbour and Blackwattle Bay and resulted in the apprehension of three commercial fishers and four recreational fishers and the seizure of 35 prohibited size kingfish, between 48.6cm and 64.3cms in length.”

The minimum legal length for Yellowtail Kingfish in NSW is 65cm and the possession or bag limit is five per person.

”Prohibited size, or “rat” Yellowtail Kingfish can occur in large schools off the NSW coast at this time of year and although great sport to catch anyone found keeping or in possession of these prohibited size fish can expect harsh penalties,” Mr Clarke said.

“Ten separate offences were detected including possess and sell prohibited size fish as well as the Master of a boat being fined for allowing an offence to take place . The Master of a boat commits an offence if they allow another person on the boat to commit a serious fisheries offence.

“They are all facing fines of $500 per person per offence.

“These offences each carry maximum penalties of up to $22,000 or imprisonment for 6 months (or both) for a first offence or $44,000 or imprisonment for 12 months (or both) for a second or subsequent offence.

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