As a part of a joint seven hour operation with Mandurah Police investigations are continuing into several alleged fisheries offences. The roadside checks carried out nabbed 29 people for violating fisheries laws. Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Darren Schofield said a total of 29 people were apprehended, during the seven-hour operation on Tuesday afternoon and through the evening.
According to Schofield weather on that given day was not conducive to fishing and he was surprised with the number of people they came across who we have warned, fined or are investigating further over a range of fisheries matters. He informed that they issued 12 warnings, 14 infringement notices (which each attract a $200 fine) and nine people are likely to face court over alleged offences.
Schofield said Fisheries and Marine Officers located 89 undersize crabs in one vehicle and each of the occupants could expect to be charged. He told that in a separate apprehension during the operation, we located 44 undersize crabs in another vehicle and the four occupants are being investigated with a view to court action. Schofield said local Fisheries and Marine Officers were keen to join Police in roadside operations, when the opportunities arose, but they also had the potential to conduct vehicle checks at other times as well.
