Mark Adrian Wicks has been convicted of illegally advertising whitebait for sale. Mr Wicks appeared in the Devonport Magistrates Court on Monday 30 April. He was fined $450 and ordered to pay court costs.

Mr Wicks posted an ad on a Facebook buy and sell page which is an offence under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995.

The illegal sale of whitebait is a threat to the sustainability of the whitebait fishery. The whitebait fishery was nearly ruined by commercial over fishing between 1940 and 1960. The fishery was closed between 1960 and 1973.

Recreational whitebait fishing is now allowed from 1 October to 11 November each year. There are strict bag limits and the waters open to fishing change each year to protect whitebait populations.

If you notice any illegal or suspicious activity, please call our Manager of Compliance and Operations, Stephen Hepworth on 0438 338 530.

We are committed to preserving and protecting our Inland Fisheries for all to enjoy into the future.