Checkpoints south of Geraldton on the Brand Highway in Dongara and at the Overlander roadhouse on the North West Coastal Highway were operated by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) officers, with support from WA Police and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The operations on 12 and 13 April found the majority of travellers abided by recreational fishing possession limits.
DPIRD’s Denham-based Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Matt Clarke said the Denham operation involved checks of 142 vehicles, along with any fishing vessels.
“It was great to see the vast majority of people doing the right thing,” Mr Clarke said.
“However, there were three warnings and four infringements issued to people for exceeding possession limits or for possession of totally protected fish, with one individual charged after being found to be 3.35 kgs in excess of his initial 10kg finfish possession limit.
“The public is reminded that when travelling their possession limit consists of 10kg of fillets from any finfish species, plus 10kg of fillets of large pelagic finfish such as mackerel, tuna and shark which must have skin attached for identification purposes.”
Mr Clarke said the Brand Highway operation saw more than 750 vehicles come through the checkpoint with only two warnings issued for failing to tail clip recreationally caught western rock lobster.
Special operations like roadside checks are carried out around Western Australia each year and will continue to be part of DPIRD’s strategy to monitor compliance with the State’s fishing laws.
“The sentiment across both days was generally really positive from travellers, and also from local residents who are supportive of efforts to raise awareness and ensure people are following the rules to help protect our fish stocks,” Mr Clarke.
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 2023.
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