Two men were successfully prosecuted in Joondalup Court on Friday, September 4, for illegally taking Roe’s abalone out of season in November last year.
A 23-year-old man from Wannamal was issued a fine, additional mandatory penalty and costs totalling $2,004.90 for his part in the illegal take of 41 Roe’s abalone from coastal waters north of the Mindarie Marina.
The court heard he was observed fishing for abalone by Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fisheries officers on November 2 and was found with a bag containing the abalone.
Another man entered a plea of not guilty, and his case was adjourned to October 20.
In a separate matter, a 22-year-old man from Wilson was ordered to pay $1,366.10 (including court costs) for collecting 20 Roe’s abalone on November 30 last year from waters north of Mindarie Marina, near Clarecastle Retreat.
Fishing for Roe’s abalone is open for licensed recreational fishers in the Western Zone between the Greenough River Mouth in the north to Busselton Jetty in the south on four designated fishing hours between December and February.
It is an offence to fish for abalone in the Western Zone outside of the designated fishing hours.
DPIRD Director of Regional Compliance for the metropolitan area Todd A’Vard said the Western Zone abalone fishery was tightly managed to ensure it remained sustainable and available to local recreational fishers into the future.
“Fishing out of season, taking undersize abalone, fishing in closed waters or exceeding the bag limit can attract significant penalties,” Mr A’Vard said.
“It is also illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch. Fines as high as $40,000 plus up to ten times the prescribed value of the catch may apply.
“People must not be in the water if they are wearing or carrying abalone fishing gear, except during the abalone fishing season.”
FishWatch is available 24/7 to take reports of suspected illegal fishing activity on 1800 815 507 or via the online form on Crimestoppers.
