The man was found guilty of 13 offences involving the take and sale of marron during the closed season on multiple occasions between December 2020 and December 2021. The court ordered that he is not to be in possession of marron for nine months.
The offences came to light through a joint investigation involving fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Water Corporation and WA Police.
Water Corporation catchment rangers had become aware of the offender visiting North and South Dandalup dams over the 12-month period and provided surveillance evidence as well as on ground observations to support the case.
Both North and South Dandalup dams are protected drinking water sources, and to protect drinking water supply, fishing and marroning is prohibited year-round.
It is an offence to be in possession of marron outside of the designated season except on private land owned or occupied by the person or if purchased directly from a retail outlet. It is also an offence to sell any fish taken in contravention of the Fish Resources Management Act.
DPIRD Regional Compliance Director Todd A’Vard said the collaboration with the Water Corporation uncovered the prolonged illegal fishing activity at North and South Dandalup dams.
As heard in court, information obtained from seized mobile phones and surveillance cameras at the dams revealed the offender had been in possession of fishing gear, fished for marron during the closed season and possessed quantities of marron outside of the non-possession period.
Further investigations also revealed that he had sold or offered marron for sale taken from the dams.
“Western Australia’s prized marron are subject to environmental pressure, which reinforces the need for careful management and significant penalties to deter illegal activity,” Mr A’Vard said.
“Drinking water catchments are not open to recreational marron fishing and there are some rivers that are also off limits.
“The rules are in place to help protect vulnerable breeding populations so the WA community will have marron for the future.”
Water Corporation Head of Treatment and Resource Recovery Rino Trolio said illegal fishing in a drinking water catchment was a serious offence.
"We work closely with DPIRD, sharing information and resources to control illegal fishing and marron catching. This successful prosecution is a great example of that relationship,” he said.
“When people fish illegally, trespass or litter within our catchment areas it puts water quality at risk, it’s a serious offence, risking public health.
"Water Corporation catchment rangers have the legal status to enforce laws, with offenders risking big fines and penalties.”
As a result of the investigation, another two men have been convicted separately for purchasing marron taken in contravention of the Act from waters of North and South Dandalup Dams. The pair received fines totalling $3795 including court costs.
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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