Fisheries officers checked and detected 126 offences out of 791 recreational fishers during a recent compliance operation in south-western NSW – including the Murrumbidgee, Murray and Edward rivers.

The operation was conducted during the opening two weekends of the Murray crayfish season.

Anthony Chen, NSW Department of Primary Industries’ acting director of fisheries compliance, warned that illegal fishers would be targeted.

“If you are fishing illegally, you face the prospect of large fines, gear seizure and even a prison term. It’s just not worth it,” he said.

“NSW DPI not only had fisheries officers on the ground [during the operation] and out on the water, they were also supported by a fixed-wing aircraft providing intelligence regarding suspected illegal fishing activities,” Mr Chen said.

He said it allowed them to “zero in on those breaking the law and respond with appropriate resources”.

During the operation, 18 fishers were reported for taking Murray crayfish from closed areas while 28 were reported for possession of prohibited size Murray crayfish.

It is alleged that some of these fishers were complacent in the method in which they were measuring their catch.

All are facing $500 on the spot fines.