Authorities have saved native animals from an illegal net after an overnight surveillance operation at Lara, according to Victoria’s fisheries department
The 8.8-metre fish trap held a freshwater turtle and other natives when it was recovered from Lara Lake last week, said the department’s Ian Parks.
A tip off to fisheries’ 13FISH hotline led to the surveillance operation, Mr Parks said.
Fisheries officers responded immediately but were initially unable to locate the net, he said.
“Surveillance of the area commenced and continued through the night and into the following day.”
The officers found the trap the following afternoon before returning to the lake all the captured animals “thankfully” alive, Mr Parks said.
“A suspected offender was identified and further investigations linked the man to the illegal net.”
Fisheries officers interviewed the suspect the night after finding the trap, Mr Parks said.
He warned that using illegal nets was a “serious offence” with penalties up to $31,000 and prohibitions from fishing.
Mr Parks praised the “vigilant member of the public who had made the call and made the difference”.
“In the wrong hands this net had the potential to catch a lot more fish and non-target species had it continued to go undetected.”
He urged anyone who suspected illegal fishing to call the 24-hour hotline, with callers able to remain anonymous.
A fisheries spokesperson said the department was “considering“ laying charges against the alleged offender.
