More than 216 illegal crab and fish traps have been seized, and more than 80 crabs and fish have been returned to the water alive, as part of a targeted operation in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia, said the state''s Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan.
Operation Delta 10 was a recent three-day operation conducted in Port Stephens to target the unlawful use of both recreational and commercial crab and fish traps, Whan said.
Although no penalties have been issued so far, fishers are warned that New South Wales fisheries officers will continue to target illegal fishing activities in these waters. Whan warned illegal traps will continue to be seized and offenders will be prosecuted.
Individuals face a maximum penalty of AUD 22,000 (€15,678/$19,439) and six months imprisonment for the unlawful use of traps.
