Two men fined $3500 each for using set net to catch crabs in Falcon

Two men, aged 59 and 57, have been fined more than $3500 each for using an illegal fishing method to catch crabs in the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

The pair recently pleaded guilty in the Mandurah Magistrates Court after illegally using a set net to catch the blue swimmer crabs in Falcon in February this year.

The men were stopped by Fisheries officers after bringing in the net and taking it to their vehicle.

The net contained 44 crabs, 40 of those were undersize, along with an undersize tarwhine.

Luckily, the crabs and fish were safely released back in the water.

Use of set nets in the Peel Harvey Estuary is restricted to Wednesdays from 4:30pm to midnight between November 1 and July 31 the following year.

Fishers are not allowed to take blue swimmer crabs that are caught in a set net and they must release them immediately.

In a separate case before Mandurah Court on the same day, a 27-year-old Falcon man was found guilty of being in possession of marron out of season and fined $2,300 with costs of $272.70.

The offender had been stopped on the South Western Highway last November by WA Police who uncovered 26 marron, three fish traps, a fish landing net and a bag of chicken pellets. 

The fishing gear and fish traps were seized and forfeited; the marron were released.

DPIRD’s Director Regional Compliance Metro Todd A’Vard said fishers needed to be aware of the fishing rules at all times, including size limits and lawful fishing methods.

“Fish traps are prohibited in Western Australia due to the potential impacts on aquatic life - indiscriminately catching fish, crabs and other animals, including protected species,” he said.

“Blue swimmer crabs may only be taken by hand, non-piercing wire hooks, wire scoop nets or drop nets.

“The use of set nets by recreational fishers around our State has to be managed to minimise excessive catches and to ensure that fish stocks are protected. It is a legal requirement that nets are constantly attended and cleared of fish each hour.”  

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507.