A 35-year-old Yarloop man has been fined more than $4700 and ordered to forfeit four fishing rods and a navigational plotter after Fisheries found him in possession of an illegal fishing haul.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries and Marine Officers (FMOs) inspected the man's catch at the Binningup Boat Ramp in March where they found the ‘master of the boat’ with three undersize blue swimmer crabs, six pink snapper, one West Australian dhufish, three undersize tarwhine and a shark.
Catching demersal scalefish including pink snapper and WA dhufish by boat is currently banned in the West Coast Bioregion until spring 2027.
In the Bunbury Magistrates Court earlier this month it was also revealed neither the master of the boat or another man onboard held a Recreational (Boat) Fishing Licence.
Since December 2025 across Bunbury, Busselton and Albany, Fisheries officers have spoken with more than 5500 recreational fishers, inspected more than 1000 vessels and undertaken over 60 patrols outside of normal operation hours.
DPIRD Regional Compliance South Director Noel Chambers said it was pleasing see majority of fishers doing the right thing and sticking to the demersal fishing rules.
“All recfishers are reminded to make sure they understand the new statewide demersal fishing rules and are also abiding by the closure for the West Coast bioregion,” Mr Chambers said.
“Fishers must ensure they don’t take undersize fish or more than the legal bag limits which is vital to the sustainability of our recreational fisheries.
“We are also encouraging fishers to target alternative species such as crab, squid, rock lobster and near shore species including whiting, tailor, flathead and herring while the demersal closure remains in place.”
Mr Chambers said community support was critical to help detect illegal fishing activity to support the sustainable management of the State’s aquatic resources.
“Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report the matter via the online form on Crimestoppers,” he said.
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