Water Police in conjunction with Warruwi Police and local Indigenous Sea Rangers conducted an operation on Saturday 7 November 2015 to remove a large commercial fishing net.

Warruwi Police members had spotted the large net stuck on the reef off North Goulburn Island. 

There were concerns that it was harming marine life, doing damage to the reef and that it was a navigation hazard. 

The net was continuing to catch large volumes of fish and other marine animals were also becoming trapped.

Warruwi Police liaised with the Officer In Charge of Goulburn Island Sea Rangers James Marrawal who shared concerns about the drift net.

On 6 November 2015 five Police divers deployed to Warruwi to complete the task.

Police divers managed to cut the net from the reef and with the assistance of Warruwi Police and the Sea Rangers it was removed from the water.

Senior Sergeant Paul Faustmann of Water Police said, “This is an excellent example of cooperation between Water Police, our colleagues at Warruwi and lndigenous Sea Rangers to protect our marine environment and ensure navigation safety.”

The net contained the remains of turtles, dolphins and other fish species.

Inquiries are continuing to establish the owner of the net and members of the public who may have information to assist the investigation are encouraged to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.