Thee ex-HMAS Adelaide artificial dive site/ Pic: Robb Westerdyk Source: The Daily Telegraph
NSW Fisheries will continue to use covert surveillance to monitor illegal fishing within the 200m exclusion zone surrounding the ex-HMAS Adelaide artificial dive site.
The wreck off Avoca Beach on the Central Coast has become so successful in attracting not only small local reef species but prize game fish such as silver trevally, yellowtail kingfish and snapper it has become a favourite spot for recreational anglers fishing illegally at night.
NSW Fisheries senior officer Chris Clarke confirmed reports of illegal fishing had been lodged with Fish-eries but said the true extent of the problem was not known.
"Over the last 12 months we have done (covert) surveillance and we will be continuing that. I don't doubt it's happening but as to what level, that's another question," he said.
The location of the dive site, about 1500m offshore at a depth of about 32m, is clearly marked with a buoy and small light, which divers allege makes it an easy target for recreational anglers looking for a quick catch.
Mr Clarke said recreational anglers faced a $500 on-the-spot fine if caught fishing or even in possession of gear within the exclusion zone.
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