Two groups of out-of-season marron fishers were fined in Collie Court this week following prosecutions triggered by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development fisheries surveillance.
A man fishing in a water catchment dam was found in possession of 23 marron, leading to fines and costs totalling $2375.90.
Another pair of marron fishers attracted fines and costs totalling $6175.90 each.
This pair had initially dumped their catch in an attempt to avoid fisheries officers but a subsequent search discovered 55 marron, 44 under the legal size limit.
Both groups were apprehended under the department’s Operation Shadowedge prior to the start of the marron fishing season, in December last year.
The surveillance operation also led to the detection of two men at Harvey Dam with 418 marron – 259 under the legal size limit – for which investigations are ongoing.
More recent joint patrols with Water Corporation catchment rangers has led to two additional apprehensions for illegal marron fishing, with investigations continuing.
Department regional compliance manager Russell Adams said Operation Shadowedge strategically surveilled commercial and recreational fishing activities in the south of Western Australia.
“The recent apprehensions and positive prosecutions show the operation is working to support the management and sustainability of this species,” Mr Adams said.