On August 25 NSW Fisheries stated the quick thinking of a young local man to alert Broken Bay Water Police led to apprehension of two men in their forties by NSW Fisheries Officers who allege they had used a large illegal monofilament net to catch fish in Narrabeen Lagoon.
Late on Sunday 29th June 2025, NSW Fisheries Officers received intelligence relating to a suspected 200m net set in the waters of Narrabeen Lagoon. The timely information allowed the officers to quickly re-direct their patrol from over 50kms away and attend the scene.
Two persons of interest were apprehended at their vehicle, in possession of a large quantity of fish. Further investigations uncovered more fish, and a 160-metre monofilament net in the bush.
Over 270 fish were found including Mullet, Sand Whiting Yellowfin Bream, Dusky Flathead, Silver Biddies and Luderick. 34 of the fish were found to be of a prohibited size.
NSW Fisheries Officers allege that the two men unlawfully used an illegal net, were in possession of fish that had been taken illegally, were in possession of species that were of prohibited size and possession of species that exceeded their possession limit.
Investigations are continuing and briefs of evidence are being prepared for prosecution consideration.
Intelligence reports from the public are a valuable source of information for NSW Fisheries Officers enabling them to effectively manage their resources as part of a risk-based approach to compliance.
Suspected illegal fishing should be reported to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online form: https://bit.ly/40rIXwl.
For more information on bag limits, size limits, and protected areas, visit the NSW Fisheries FishSmart mobile app: bit.ly/3LTNfCn or website.
Photos: NSW Fisheries