Three local men have been hit with fines and court costs of more than $35,000 for taking out-of-season marron.
The men were convicted in the Mandurah Magistrates Court this week following a Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development compliance operation which ran from April to September in 2020.
Two men from North Yunderup and a man from Nambeelup took 121 marron from Stirling Dam near Harvey on May 9, 2020.
On July 6, one of the men took another 59 marron from the same dam.
The court heard he removed his number plate from his white utility before failing to stop for Fisheries officers.
The accused also collided with the Fisheries vehicle while fleeing.
The 42-year-old North Yunderup man was issued with fines and court costs of over $12,500.
He also forfeited a $2000 bond being held as a security on the vehicle he used to commit the offences between April 15 and July 6, 2020.
A second offender, a 47-year-old man from North Yunderup, was fined $8300 for his involvement in the 121 marron haul.
A 43-year-old Nambeelup man was also charged with the joint possession of the 121 marron and found guilty of taking a further 78 marron from Stirling Dam on May 26.
He was fined $12,200.
Metro Compliance Acting Director Mark Kleeman said marron could only be fished recreationally between January 8 and February 5 each year.
“Out-of-season marron fishing is a priority for our compliance officers in the Perth area as well as those in the South West and Southern regions, and we check regularly throughout the year,” Mr Kleeman said.
“Any out-of-season marron fishing activity is risk to this unique WA fishery.”
If you have information involving the illegal marron fishing, you can report it anonymously to FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or send an email to tipoff@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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