In April 2008, Fisheries and Marine Officers, from the Department of Fisheries Northern Region office, inspected two fishing camps around 250 kilometres from Broome.
An investigation was launched and the Minister for Fisheries took immediate steps to cancel the exemptions that allowed two commercial fishers to net fish along 80 Mile Beach.
In court on Friday one of the former exemption holders, Kimley Ross WANN, pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a $1500 fine plus costs of $271.70, under the Fish Resources Management Act, for breaching a condition of his exemption.
The condition stated that no discarded fish, parts of fish or fish offal was to be left on the beach, or left unburied or exposed, as a result of set netting activities.
Broome court heard that the commercial fisher’s operations had created an environmental hazard, threatened sustainable fishing practices and compromised the surrounds of the dumping areas, which were enjoyed by the community at large.
Department of Fisheries’ Northern Region Manager Peter Godfrey said 50 shark carcasses had been dumped and left exposed in the sand over a 60 metre stretch of 80 Mile Beach.
“The dumping of the carcasses was unsanitary, unhygienic and a highly inappropriate practice,” Mr Godfrey said.
“Not only was it highly unsightly and a threat to the ecosystem of the area, it also attracted flies and other pests and generated a foul odour.
“Importantly, the case serves to remind commercial fishers, who operate under special exemptions, that they must comply with all of the conditions that apply to their fishing operations.
“Not only has this fisher lost his exemption, he has now also been fined for breaching one of the conditions of his former commercial net fishing activities on 80 Mile Beach.”
