Three men have been fined more than $8000 each after taking a haul of marron from the Harvey Dam out of season.
A 40-year-old man from Victoria, a 26-year-old man from Marangaroo and a 24-year-old Koondoola man all entered guilty pleas in the Harvey Magistrates Court this week.
Fisheries officers stopped the trio at a roadside checkpoint near the dam on December 21, 2023.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 153 live marron, two long-handled nets and other fishing gear.
A total of 36 marron were undersized.
All of them were returned to the Harvey Dam alive.
It is an offence to be in possession of marron outside of the nominated season from January 8 to February 5 each year, except on private land owned or occupied by the person.
All three men were issued with a $7,650 fine for the mandatory penalty, equal to ten times the prescribed value or $50 for each of the 153 marron involved, a $100 fine and court costs of $300.50 each.
DPIRD Regional Compliance Director South Noel Chambers said the sustainability of WA’s wild marron was challenged by the impacts of reduced rainfall and run-off into rivers and dams and overall changes in the environment.
“The marron fishing rules are in place to help protect vulnerable breeding populations, which ensures recreational fishers will have access to this popular freshwater crustacean in the future,” Mr Chambers said.
“Fisheries officers make regular patrols of marron fishing locations and permanently closed waters to guard against illegal fishing.
“The officers also work with Water Corporation rangers on activity at public water supply dams that are closed to fishing.”
Anyone who witnesses any suspicious freshwater or marine fishing activity, is urged to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report the matter via the online form on Crimestoppers.
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