Two men – one from Butler and the other from Narrogin – have been fined for fishing for marron out of season.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said 22-year-old Butler man was ordered to pay $7000 and a 39-year-old Narrogin man $6500 for their involvement in marron fishing offences committed at Harris Dam in December 2023.

The two men were fishing out of marron season, in a dam in the Collie River Valley – a public drinking water source area that is off limits to marron fishing all year round.

Public water supply dams managed by the Water Corporation are generally closed to fishing.

DPIRD said fisheries officers located 110 live marron in the men’s vehicle as it was leaving the dam – all of the marron were returned to the dam alive.

The Butler man was also ordered to forfeit three fish landing nets that were used to catch the marron.

The nets are not permitted to be used for catching marron under the fish resources management regulations.

Regional compliance south director Noel Chambers said the outcome, with the big fines, should provide a strong reminder that out of season fishing and fishing in closed waters were never acceptable.

“In sensitive areas, such as public drinking water dams, fishers need to be well aware of the rules or risk losing their fishing privileges,” he said.

“We need to monitor marron fishing all year round, not just during marron season.

“Marroning is not allowed at protected public drinking water source areas at any time of year, even with a marron licence.

“Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report the matter via the online form on Crimestoppers.”

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 19 May 2025.