On Monday 4 February, three defendants appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court. They faced charges relating to the taking of fish from the IFS fish trap at Sandbanks Creek, yingina/Great Lake.

The Court heard that the men had used a light to assist them to tickle fish out of the trap. This was in June 2018 during the brown trout spawning run. The men each pleaded guilty to five charges:

• Take fish without angling licence
• Use light to facilitate taking of fish
• Disturb spawning fish
• Take fish from a closed water
• Take fish by means of other than rod and line

They were fined $683.74 each, including $83.74 in Court costs.

The protection of spawning fish is important to us as it supports the future of the fishery.

If you, or anybody you know, witnesses illegal fishing activity, please report it to us on 1300 INFISH (1300 463 474). We need your help to protect our valuable inland fisheries.