The West Coast Zone for abalone fishing runs from Busselton Jetty to the Greenough River mouth, but the area within the zone north of Moore River is permanently closed.
On 19 October last year, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fisheries officers observed the man fishing at Cape Burney, about 500 metres south of the Greenough River mouth. When he came ashore from a reef platform, he was found in possession of 56 abalone and 14 sea urchins.
Last Thursday in Geraldton Court, it was revealed the man had admitted to the DPIRD officers that he had been using a screwdriver and spanner while fishing, but he did not know the area was closed to fishing for Roe’s abalone and sea urchins.
Whilst permanently closed to abalone fishing, sea urchins can be fished from the Cape Burney area but only during the four designated abalone fishing sessions between 7am and 8am during the Zone 1 season, as set out in the Abalone recreational fishing guide. When the man was apprehended fishing for sea urchin, it was not an allocated session.
The man had claimed to Fisheries officers in a formal interview that did not know he had taken abalone. The magistrate found him guilty of contravening an order, taking more than twice the daily limit of the category one fish, and not having an abalone fishing licence.
He was also found guilty of fishing for sea urchin out of season for Zone 1. In all, he was ordered to pay $9,162.70 in total fines and costs.
DPIRD's Director Regional Compliance for the Midwest Mick Kelly said the penalties were significant and would be a deterrent to others who illegally fish for abalone or sea urchins.
“The Fisheries and Marine Officers have a big beat to cover in this region and ensuring that abalone are not taken remains very important for the long-term recovery of the Roe’s abalone fishery north of Moore River,” Mr Kelly said.
“Our researchers have advised the Greenough River area needs to be protected because it hasn’t fully recovered from the devastating marine heatwave of 2011, when elevated sea temperatures severely depleted WA’s northern abalone stocks.
“Since then, the coast between Moore River through to the Northern Territory border has been closed to abalone fishing until further notice.”
If you’re aware of any illegal fishing activity, please call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 to pass on your concerns or lodge your report through the online form on Crimestoppers.
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