DPIRD fisheries teams conducted land and water-based patrols across an area from north of Bunbury to Augusta in late April, with the most common offence found to be people fishing without a valid licence.
DPIRD regional compliance director Noel Chambers said 462 fishers were checked during the four-day operation.
“Officers recorded 24 offences, of which half were related to people not holding valid fishing licences and five related to the taking of prohibited species.
“Infringements were also issued to boat masters for having excess fish on board, relative to the number of licenced fishers.”
Mr Chambers said the majority of fishers abided by recreational fishing bag limits.
“It is great to see that most people know the rules and are fishing responsibly,” he said.
“Masters have the added responsibility of ensuring there are enough licence holders on board, to cover the number of fish kept.
“Fishers can check the validity of their licence or apply for licence via the DoT Direct website or by visiting a DPIRD Fisheries licencing office.”
There are three easy methods to apply for a recreational fishing licence, online via DoTDirect, in person at select DPIRD offices, or via mail.
DPIRD recommends all new applicants or existing recreational fishing licence holders REGISTER for DoTDirect.
This will create a free personalised online account where fishers can manage all their information and pay licence and registration fees in a secure and user-friendly environment.
Special operations are carried out around Western Australia each year and continue to be part of DPIRD’s strategy to monitor compliance with the State’s fishing laws.
Anyone who suspects any kind of illegal fishing activity is urged to report their concerns to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.
If you have seen something involving fish or fishing which doesn’t look quite right, the FishWatch phone line operates 24-7 for easy reporting, or alternatively use the online form on Crimestoppers.
To check on fishing rules by species and/or location in WA go to the Western Australian recreational fishing rules on the Fisheries website or the Recreational fishing guide 2024.
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