On Friday 6 May 2022 the Devonport Magistrate's Court sentenced another whitebait offender for illegal fishing from 2019. Jackson Darren Woods, of Latrobe, pleaded guilty to four charges under the Inland Fisheries Act and regulations, receiving a fine of $2000 plus court costs.

In December 2021 at the Burnie Magistrate's Court, Billy Messenger, of Brittons Swamp, pleaded guilty to posses more than 10kg of whitebait in 2020 and was fined $544 plus court costs.

In November 2021at the Burnie Magistrate's Court, Phillip John Ollington, of Smithton, pleaded guilty to taking more than 2kg of whitebait in 2020 and was fined $1892 plus court costs.

Whitebait regulations are in place for a reason. The fishery is fragile because of over fishing between the 1940’s and 1960’s. Illegal fishing for whitebait puts the species and recreational fishery at risk.

If you witness illegal fishing, or anything suspicious at our inland waters please let us know. You can call 0438 338 530 or 1300 INFISH (1300 463 474). You can email us at infish@ifs.tas.gov.au