The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) recent Operation Crater Lake was conducted over 12 days in June targeted illegal fishing in the Ningaloo Marine Park.
As a result of the operation, three Exmouth men aged 35, 31 and 27 pleaded guilty to spearfishing from a recreational boat in the waters of Bundegi Sanctuary Area in the Ningaloo Marine Park and not holding a current recreational boat fishing licence.
The trio were fined a combined total of $4715 and costs of $818 in Exmouth Magistrates Court last week.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of fishing gear including three spearguns, a knife and esky.
In a statement to the court, DPIRD fisheries officers reported observing the men spearfishing in the waters of Bundegi Sanctuary Area last month (June).
An inspection of the boat at Bundegi Boat Ramp revealed a catch of 10 demersal finfish and one tropical rock lobster.
DPIRD Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Darren Schofield said Operation Crater Lake resulted in the detection of 37 recreational fishing offences in total so it was timely to remind for all recreational fishers to make themselves aware of the rules in the Ningaloo Marine Park..
“Recreational fishing can be enjoyed in the vast majority of the Ningaloo Marine Park but some areas such as Bundegi Sanctuary are ‘no take’ areas that are important to commercial eco-tourism and recreational divers,” he said.
More information on fishing rules can be found in the Recreational Fishing Guide available from www.fish.gov.au
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or tell us about what you’ve seen via the online form on Crimestoppers.
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