A Two Rocks man has been fined more than $11,000 and has been prohibited from having a recreational marron fishing licence or possessing marron or marron fishing gear for three years, after being charged for illegal fishing offences last year.

The 33-year-old man was caught during a joint overnight patrol by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fisheries officers and WA Police, three weeks after the 2023 marron season closed.

His car was stopped leaving the Moore River and was found to be carrying 37 marron – including eight that were undersize, 30 illegal fish traps, two hand spears, chicken pellets, a landing net and one live estuary cobbler.

All the marron and cobbler were returned to the Moore River and released.

During the hearing at Joondalup Court, it was revealed the he admitted he knew the marron in his car came from the Moore River and the nets had been set in the water.

A 27-year-old Kinross man was also interviewed and admitted to taking part in the illegal fishing that night.

In a separate hearing, he was issued with fines and costs totalling $6302.70 for illegal possession of marron out of season, taking totally protected undersize marron, not using a permitted way to fish and not having a recreational licence for marron.

The court also heard that a third man, aged 47 from Butler, was also involved in the illegal fishing.

He was issued with a general penalty and costs totalling $972.70 for providing false or misleading information, in a separate Joondalup hearing.

DPIRD Midwest regional compliance director Mick Kelly said thanks to the joint patrol by fisheries officers and Lancelin Police some significant illegal fishing activities were uncovered.

“Western Australia’s recreational marron fishery is subject to environmental pressure, which reinforces the need for careful management and big penalties for those who fish illegally,” Mr Kelly said.

“All the gear used in the commission of the offences in this case was seized and forfeited to the crown and will be destroyed.”

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or make a report via the online form on Crimestoppers​.

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 24 March 2024.