Two men in their 40s were stopped and questioned at Narrabeen Lagoon when they were found with a long, monofilament net and more than 270 fish after a young local raised the alarm.
How The Tip-off Unfolded
Late on Sunday, 29 June 2025, NSW Fisheries officers received a report of a long net being set in the lagoon. NSW Fisheries posted details of the case on 25 August at 8 am. Officers re-directed a patrol from more than 50 kilometres away.
A young Northern Beaches resident saw two men set a long net across the water after dark and phoned Broken Bay Water Police at Church Point. The information went to NSW Fisheries officers on patrol. Officers located two persons of interest at their vehicle and found a large quantity of fish. Further checks uncovered more fish nearby and a monofilament net hidden in bushland.
What Officers Found
Officers first received a report of a suspected 200 metre set in the water. They later seized a 160 metre monofilament net. More than 270 fish were allegedly taken, across several species, including mullet, sand whiting, yellowfin bream, dusky flathead, silver biddies and luderick.
Officers recorded 34 fish of a prohibited size. NSW Fisheries said the haul points to after-hours netting that targeted a sheltered public lagoon used by families, paddlers and shore-based anglers.
Alleged Offences And Penalties
NSW Fisheries alleges the men used an illegal net, possessed fish taken illegally, possessed fish of a prohibited size and held species in excess of possession limits. NSW Fisheries said briefs of evidence are being prepared for prosecution consideration.
On-the-spot fines start at about $500 per offence for unlawful net use, possessing undersized fish and exceeding limits. If the matter goes to court under the Fisheries Management Act, higher penalties apply.
Why This Matters For The Community
NSW Fisheries said community intelligence helps them target patrols and protect local fish stocks. Anglers who commented on the agency’s post said large illegal hauls reduce future catches for everyone.
The agency urged residents to report suspected illegal fishing with clear details such as time, location and what was seen. Reports go to the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536 or through the NSW DPI online form.
Published 08-September-2025
