The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP

Minister for Primary Industries Minister for Small Business

MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday 29 January 2014

NEW PROGRAM SHINES LIGHT ON NSW FISHERIES OFFICERS NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, said the dedicated work of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers will be on show across Australia when the television series Coastwatch Oz premieres on the Seven Network this week. Ms Hodgkinson said ten 30-minute episodes of Coastwatch Oz have been pr oduced and will focus on the outstanding work of the DPI Fisheries Compliance Unit. “Coastwatch Oz will promote the work of NSW fisheries officers and reinforce the rules and regulations that are in place to protect our fisheries resources,” Ms Hodgkinson said. “The series gives viewers a first hand look behind the scenes at the work our highly trained team of fisheries officers do, day in and day out. “The work environment of our fisheries officers can be a difficult and challenging; patrolling waterways across the State targeting illegal fishers in all weather conditions, who on occasions blatantly plunder our precious fisheries resources. “Illegal fishing doesn’t just happen in our oceans – inland waterways are a target for fishers who do the wrong thing too. “While the overwhelming majority of our recreational and commercial fishing community do the right thing, it is important that safeguards are in place to protect these resources. “The series will also highlight the lengths our fisheries officers will go to, to catch illegal syndicates who can severely impact on the fisheries resources of NSW.” Coastwatch Oz follows the successful New Zealand version of the show, which is now in its seventh season, and will air on the Seven Network tomorrow, 30 January, at 8pm. Filming for Coastwatch Oz was undertaken over an extended period with film crews given exclusive access to follow NSW DPI and the NSW Marine Area Command Police who are committed to protecting our seas and waterways.