Steep penalities for catching fish from private properties

10/2/97

People caught stealing fish, marron or yabbies from private property, including farm dams, now face penalties of up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of $8,000.

Fisheries Minister Monty House said today penalties under the Criminal Code (Section 437) had increased significantly as a part of new amendments to the code.

Mr House said the tougher penalties had been extended to now include marron and yabbies to safeguard the State's growing aquaculture and recreational fishing industries.

He said the Criminal Code previously only covered the stealing of fish and involved nominal penalties of a fine equal to the value of the fish taken or destroyed, plus $10.

"The State's growing aquaculture industry has become an increasingly popular and lucrative livelihood, with many farmers investing substantial time and money," the Minister said.

"Farmers are opting to stock their dams with some species of fresh water fish for financial and recreational purposes.

"These new penalties will provide greater protection particularly for farmers as well as allowing police to prosecute people who illegally take fish, marron or yabbies from their dams."

Mr House said the revised laws were a part of the Fisheries Department's campaign to protect fisheries resources and support industry development in Western Australia.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell - 481 2044