Two Camillo men caught using illegal nets to catch crabs in Peel estuary, Falcon man caught with marron

Two Camillo men have been fined after using illegal fishing nets to catch crabs in the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

Salimoni Ralulu, 57, and Timoci Buliciri Waqanivavalagi, 59, pleaded guilty in Mandurah Magistrates Court on August 13 to illegally using a set net to catch blue swimmer crabs in February.

The court was told fisheries and marine officers saw the two men using and retrieving the net in the Peel-Harvey Estuary at Falcon.

The men were stopped after bringing in the net and taking it to their car.

This net contained 44 crabs, 40 of which were undersized.

An undersized tarwhine was also found in the net. All of the crabs and the fish were released into the estuary.

The men were both fined $3275 and ordered to pay costs of $272.70.

Use of set nets in the Peel Harvey Estuary is restricted to Wednesdays from 4.30pm to midnight between November 1 to July 31 the following year.

Set nets must not be used to take blue swimmer crabs and any crabs caught in a set net must be released immediately.

On the same day, 27-year-old Travis Hugh Payne from Falcon was found guilty of being in possession of marron out of season and fined $2300 with costs of $272.70.

Payne was stopped on the South West Highway last November by police who uncovered 26 marrons, 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 WA due to the potential impacts on aquatic life — indiscriminately catching fish, crabs and other animals, including protected species,” Mr A’Vard 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.