A 20-year-old man incurred penalties and costs of $1494 in Karratha Court for two offences last April including engaging in recreational fishing contrary to a prohibition order and being in possession of fishing gear in a sanctuary zone.
A 25-year-old man also faced the court for fishing offences over two days in April, after being observed by Fisheries Officers with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) taking a golden trevally in the sanctuary zone.
A later inspection of the man’s boat also found an unsecured speargun on the deck. It is an offence to be a master of the boat carrying fishing or spearfishing gear while in waters of the Southern Montebello Sanctuary Zone. He was ordered to pay penalties and costs totalling $1774.
DPIRD Director of Regional Compliance North Stuart McDowall said he expected a significant number of travellers to visit and fish in the region next month.
“It’s really important for visitors to marine parks to be aware of sanctuary zones, and where they can and can’t fish,” Mr McDowall said.
“Even when fishing in remote areas, fishers can expect to see Fisheries and Marine Officers working to protect our fisheries resources.”
The Montebello Islands Marine Park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Sanctuary zones make up about 49 per cent of the marine park and fishing and spearfishing is only permitted in designated fishing zones, listed in the Montebello Islands Marine Park visitor guide.
Sanctuary zones are ‘look but don’t take’ zones, managed for nature conservation and low-impact recreation and tourism such as diving and snorkelling.
People can also check the rules in the recreational-fishing-guide.pdf or online at Western Australian recreational fishing rules, where you can search by species and fishing location.
Anyone who witnesses any suspicious fishing activity is urged to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report the matter via the online form on Crimestoppers.
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