Mandurah man slapped with $8k fine over illegal marron fishing

A Mandurah man has been fined almost $8000 after being found guilty of illegally fishing for marron and then selling his catch.

The matter was heard in the Mandurah Magistrates Court this week after a lengthy joint investigation by Fisheries WA, Water Corporation and WA Police.

The court heard the 47-year-old took marron from both the North and South Dandalup dams on multiple occasions between December 2020 and 2021.

He then sold or offered to sell the marron to others which is also an offence.

The man's offending was captured on surveillance cameras as well as on mobile phones seized during the investigation.

Both North and South Dandalup dams are protected drinking water sources and fishing and marroning is prohibited year-round. 

The man was fined $7991.50 and was also banned from being in possession of marron for nine months.

DPIRD Regional Compliance Director Todd A’Vard said the collaboration with the Water Corporation uncovered the prolonged illegal fishing activity at North and South Dandalup dams.

“Western Australia’s prized marron are subject to environmental pressure, which reinforces the need for careful management and significant penalties to deter illegal activity,” Mr A’Vard said.

“Drinking water catchments are not open to recreational marron fishing and there are some rivers that are also off limits.

“The rules are in place to help protect vulnerable breeding populations so the WA community will have marron for the future.”

Water Corporation Head of Treatment and Resource Recovery Rino Trolio said illegal fishing in a drinking water catchment was a serious offence.

"We work closely with DPIRD, sharing information and resources to control illegal fishing and marron catching. This successful prosecution is a great example of that relationship,” he said.

“When people fish illegally, trespass or litter within our catchment areas it puts water quality at risk, it’s a serious offence, risking public health.

"Water Corporation catchment rangers have the legal status to enforce laws, with offenders risking big fines and penalties.” 

The investigation also resulted in another two men convicted of purchasing marron which had been taken from the dams.

The pair received fines totaling $3795.

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity should call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report it online through Crime Stoppers.