Fisheries officers will be out in force at crabbing hotspots around Mandurah this long weekend.
A new intake of fisheries officers late last year has seen more authorities on the water and boots on the ground in Perth and Peel areas to boost fisheries compliance and education.
DPIRD Director Regional Compliance Metro Todd A’Vard said the blue swimmer crab fishery was identified as a high compliance risk and significant resources had been allocated to ensure fishers operated within the rules.
“Across the Perth metropolitan area, we have a pool of 34 officers we can draw on to assist with Operation Lightwald and other compliance operations,” Mr A’Vard said.
“Since Operation Lightwald began in December, officers have inspected more than 3600 fishers which included 370 boats connected with crabbing activity.
“Officers have issued 103 infringement fines and 124 warning notices for offences in the Peel Harvey region. A further 18 infringement fines and 20 formal warnings have been issued for the Swan and Canning Rivers, where two fishers will be facing prosecution.
“We have undertaken both land and boat-based patrols with high profile mobile patrols as well as covert patrols focused on times of peak fishing activity.”
A legal size blue swimmer crab must have a carapace width of at least 127mm.
In Peel Harvey waters, the daily bag limit is 10 crabs per person, and if there is two or more people onboard a boat, the boat limit is 20.
If it is a powered boat, two or more people must each hold a valid Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL).
If there is only one person holding an RFBL on board a powered boat, only the daily bag limit of the person who has the licence applies.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal crab fishing activity is urged to report it to DPIRD’s 24/7 FishWatch service on 1800 815 507 or online at Report • Crime Stoppers Western Australia - click on the special FishWatch link for your report.
Port Kennedy before and after school care provider fined $33k after 'distressed' boy left alone in room
Dog ball library created at Dawesville beach in memory of beloved pet
WATCH: Police investigate South Yunderup motorbike theft as sellers warned to stay vigilant
Woman, child taken to hospital after car crashes into guard rail in Greenfields
WA Police warns Telstra outage is impacting calls to triple-zero
Residents notified of military training exercise in Rockingham, Kwinana areas
WAFL: Riddle kicks match-winning goal after the siren to secure victory for Peel Thunder
Secret Harbour MP Paul Papalia to resign from politics
Baldivis Police ask for public's help to find wanted man