The offender was caught during a joint overnight patrol by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fisheries officers and WA Police, three weeks after the 2023 marron season closed.
His car was stopped leaving the Moore River in the Shire of Gingin and was found to be carrying 37 marron - including eight that were undersize, 30 illegal fish traps, two hand spears, chicken pellets, a landing net and one live estuary cobbler.
All the marron and cobbler were returned to the Moore River and released.
During the hearing at Joondalup Court, it was revealed the offender admitted he knew the marron in his car came from the Moore River and the nets had been set in the water.
A 27-year-old Kinross man was also interviewed and admitted to taking part in the illegal fishing that night. In a separate hearing, he was issued with fines and costs totalling $6,302.70 for illegal possession of marron out of season, taking totally protected undersize marron, not using a permitted way to fish, and not having a recreational licence for marron.
The court also heard that a third man, aged 47 from Butler, was also involved in the illegal fishing. He was issued with a general penalty and costs totalling $972.70 for providing false or misleading information, in a separate Joondalup hearing.
DPIRD Regional Compliance Director for the Midwest Mick Kelly said thanks to the joint patrol by fisheries officers and WA Police from Lancelin, some significant illegal fishing activities were uncovered.
“Western Australia’s recreational marron fishery is subject to environmental pressure, which reinforces the need for careful management and big penalties for those who fish illegally,” Mr Kelly said.
“All the gear used in the commission of the offences in this case was seized and forfeited to the crown and will be destroyed.”
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.
By reporting your concerns, you will be helping to protect WA's fish resources for future generations.
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