It was part of a targeted operation according to the Department of Primary Industries fisheries compliance director Patrick Tully.

“The man was observed by fisheries officers retrieving a large fish trap and illegally taking 12 golden perch and two carp from it,” Mr Tully said.

“Following an investigation the man was found to be in possession of a total of 15 golden perch taken over two days of fish trapping in the river.

“Fisheries officers seized the 15 golden perch plus three illegal fish traps.

“The man will now face court on charges including the unlawful use of trap, possessing prohibited fishing gear, taking more than the daily limit of specified fish species, taking more than the possession limit of a specified fish species and possessing fish illegally taken.”

The man’s apprehension at Hay follows the discovery of illegal fishing gear near Corowa in September.

A fish trap used to catch crayfish was found in the Murray River by officers, who then started a surveillance operation.

Two men tried to evade officers after checking the trap and are likely to face court some time next year.

Fisheries officers regulary check the Murray and Murrumbidgee for illegal fishing equipment.

Mr Tully said fishing gear such as fish traps, gill nets, drum nets and set lines are totally prohibited throughout NSW inland waterways.

“Fish traps exert excess fishing pressure on fish populations and were banned in NSW to reduce the high level of destruction that was being inflicted on target native finfish species such as Murray cod and golden perch,” he said.

“These traps also endanger non-target native fauna such as turtles, water rats, platypus and water birds.

“Our native fish stocks and fauna are a community owned resource and fisheries officers will continue working to catch those individuals who choose to flaunt the NSW fishing rules.

“The community can help us by reporting illegal or suspicious activity to the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536 or directly to your nearest DPI Fisheries office.”