Continuing Operation Ascend, which began last school holidays, Fisheries officers have undertaken patrols in the offshore waters within the Jervis Bay Marine Park.

Officers used the 'Sydney Swan', one of two large offshore patrol vessels in the NSW DPI fleet capable of patrolling many miles out to sea across NSW.

These two vessels enable rapid launching of smaller rigid hull inflatable vessels from the stern allowing fisheries officers to conduct compliance checks of boat-based fishers in the immediate vicinity.

As part of Operation Ascend DPI Fisheries are ramping up boat-based compliance patrols in estuarine, inshore and offshore areas in preparation for the coming summer holidays.

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Fishing activity this summer is expected to be very high as fishers enjoy warmer weather, school holidays and more freedoms as COVID restrictions reduce.

The public is encouraged to report illegal or suspect illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or report it online via the submission form at https://fal.cn/3gJWh.

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