Recreational fishers reminded to ensure licences valid amid recent DPIRD patrols resulting in 24 offences

Recreational boat fishers in the South West are being reminded to hold valid fishing licences following a patrolling blitz last month. Fisheries teams from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted land and water-based patrols in an area from just north of Bunbury to Augusta in late April, with unlicensed fishing being the main offence. Regional compliance director Noel Chambers said 462 fishers were stopped during the four-day operation. “Officers recorded 24 offences, of which half were related to people not holding valid fishing licences and five related to the taking of prohibited species,” he said. “Infringements were also issued to boat masters for having excess fish on board, relative to the number of licensed fishers”. Mr Chambers said the majority of fishers were abiding by recreational fishing bag limits, describing it as a great result. “Masters have the added responsibility of ensuring there are enough licence holders on board, to cover the number of fish kept,” he said. “Fishers can check the validity of their licence or apply for a licence via the DoT Direct website or by visiting a DPIRD Fisheries licencing office.” Special operations are carried out around the State annually and continue to form part of the department’s strategy to monitor compliance with WA’s fishing laws. Anyone who suspects any kind of illegal fishing activity is urged to report their concerns to FishWatch on 1800 815 507, or online through Crime Stoppers WA.