The man was found guilty on three counts of marron fishing in a closed season in September last year, when he was also found in possession of fishing gear within 50 metres of waters where it is prohibited and two counts of fishing for marron using an unlawful method.
He had been intercepted near the bank of the Moore River, downstream of Regans Ford with a marron scoop net in hand.
A vehicle search later located 26 marron in an esky - of which 12 were undersize, and three non-conforming rope mesh drop nets.
It is illegal to take marron out of season. During the open season between 8 January and 5 February, the daily bag limit for licenced fishers is 8 marron with a minimum size limit of 80mm, except South West trophy waters, where the minimum is 90mm and the bag limit 5.
The prosecution also successfully sought forfeiture of the marron nets and equipment.
In a separate matter at Joondalup court, a 36-year-old Lancelin man was found guilty and issued with more than $3,500 in fines and costs for exceeding the boat limit for demersal finfish.
As the master of a vessel, the man was fishing recreationally with one other person in the West Coast Bioregion and was found with eight demersal finfish on board – double the legal boat limit of four.
DPIRD Director Regional Compliance Midwest Mick Kelly said Western Australia’s fishing rules were vital to sustainable fisheries management to ensure there were fish for the future.
“Fishing out of season and taking more than the boat or bag limits is not acceptable to the WA community and could threaten the sustainability of our fisheries,’” Mr Kelly said.
“FishWatch is available 24/7 to take calls from anyone with concerns or suspicions of illegal fishing activity – call 1800 815 507 or report the matter via the online form on Crimestoppers.”
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