WA fishers charged for possession of illegal traps

East Kimberley compliance officers from the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are calling for residents in the region to report cases of people using illegal fishing gear to FishWatch or direct to local officers.

Just last month, a 30-year-old man was ordered to pay $979.30 for having two fish traps, when his vessel was checked by officers at Wyndham boat ramp.

This follows another case in Wyndham Court late last year in which the magistrate issued fines, penalties, and costs of $2,379.30 to a 52-year-old man who was apprehended at Port of Wyndham wharf with a fish trap.

In the most recent case, when he was apprehended, the man had admitted to officers that he went on a fishing trip with illegal traps. He confirmed he baited, set, and pulled the two large traps once that day and caught one mud crab, which was found by officers in his ice box.

The DPIRD reiterates that fish traps are prohibited in Western Australia.

Via a sentencing submission, the court was told crab traps can have a detrimental impact on aquatic life as when left unattended, the traps continually catch and kill aquatic life through self-baiting or ghost trapping. Particularly at threat are aquatic animals that need to return to the surface to breath such as turtles.

The magistrate granted the forfeiture of the large traps.

DPIRD compliance officer Rob Baker said visitors to the region needed to be aware of the fishing rules that apply wherever they fish in the state.

“It is an offence for a person to be in possession of traps in the ocean and any estuary, inlet, brook or stream as well as on land adjacent to those waters,” Mr Baker said. “We hope the fines in these cases raise awareness that fish traps are illegal in WA and act as a strong deterrent.

“The permitted means of taking mud crabs is by a drop or scoop net that complies with the rules. They can also be taken by hand or by using a blunt wire hook.

Anyone who sees any fishing activity that is suspect to be unlawful is advised to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 to report what has been seen. The information is treated in the strictest confidence.