A 28 year old man from Maylands is at a loss today, after Fisheries and Marine Officers seized his 4.5metre aluminium vessel this week, for alleged rock lobster pot interference in waters around Rottnest Island. It’s the fifth boat seized this season under Operation Bagana.
This vessel was seized by Fisheries officers on Wednesday 14 December
Also counting the cost of their actions today are five men who were this week found guilty, in Fremantle Court, of serious rock lobster offences, committed during last year’s fishing season and as recent as October this year – also occurring around Rottnest Island.
George Frank WARING (73, of Cottesloe) was fined $5000 plus costs, Clive Valentine ADDISON (73, of Subiaco) $2500 plus costs, Digby Thomasnat VELING (32, of Bicton) $10,000 plus costs and Thomas William STRANSKY (31, of East Fremantle) $10,000 plus costs for a range of offences in November and December last year, including interference with other fishers’ rock lobster pots, following a targeted surveillance operation by Fisheries and Marine Officers.
In addition to interference charges, Waring and Addison were also convicted of using excess pots, and Veling and Stransky were convicted of failing to tail clip recreationally-caught rock lobsters.
Separately, Tarm Stephen Ralph MICHIELSEN (30, of Hillarys) was fined over $3000 for obstruction of a fisheries officer and possession of totally protected rock lobster when he was apprehended in October this year at Rottnest.
North Metropolitan Compliance Manager Todd A’Vard commended the hard work of the Fremantle-based Fisheries officers who conducted the operations around Rottnest Island and thanked community members for their ongoing, on-water vigilance and reporting illegal activity.
“Rottnest Island is a special place for many West Australians, and we won’t tolerate these fish thieves ruining the experience for the rest of the community who are just trying to set a pot and catch a feed – often on their family holiday with the kids,” Mr A’Vard said. “Rogue fishers can expect to be under surveillance and it’s only a matter of time until you are caught. And when you are – expect severe penalties – as were handed down in Fremantle Court on Tuesday this week.
“Illegal interference with fishing gear has a maximum penalty of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for 12 months, and if you try to obstruct a fisheries officer from undertaking their lawful duties – you will face further charges which carry penalties of up to $10,000 and 12 months imprisonment.
“Our message has been clear this season that we don’t tolerate any gear interference. Not only do you risk having your boat seized – you could have your fishing licence suspended or cancelled.”
Anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing activities is urged not to get involved, but report what they see to FishWatch on 1800 815 507. Providing this information to support ongoing Operation Bagana will assist Fisheries and Marine Officers to target and catch offenders.