The Geraldton Court this week heard that in December 2022 officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) located 11 undersized western rock lobsters and 35 sea urchins in the man’s possession.
Eight of the lobsters had punctured carapaces.
It is an offence to possess undersized western rock lobster and to take more than eight western rock lobster in one day.
Fishers are not allowed to bring more than 20 sea urchin on to land in one day.
The court was also told the 39-year-old did not hold a recreational rock lobster fishing license and used an instrument capable of piercing a rock lobster, or damaging rock lobster, which is also an offence.
For possession of undersize western rock lobsters, the man was ordered to pay fines and penalties totalling $1790. For having in excess of the bag limits for the lobster and sea urchins he was ordered to pay $1550.
He was also issued with fines and penalties of $2500 and forfeited his hand spear for using an illegal means to take eight of the lobsters.
For not holding a recreational rock lobster licence at the time of his offences the man was fined $250.
DPIRD Regional Compliance Director for the Midwest Mick Kelly said fishers needed to be aware of the fishing rules at all times, including those applying to fishing methods.
“We urge fishers to return any undersize rock lobster within five minutes, to allow better survivability, so divers should measure and count their lobster catches while they are still in the water,” Mr Kelly said.
“Divers may only catch rock lobster by hand, or by using a hand-held snare or a blunt crook. Spears, nets, and other similar items that can damage rock lobster are illegal.”
The rules related to rock lobster fishing are available in a specific rock lobster guide, which is available online. All of the rules, including those for sea urchin, can be access on the recreational fishing rules website.
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507. In reporting your concerns, you help to protect WA's fish resources for future generations.
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