Illegal fishing practices under spotlight off Geraldton

A vessel has been seized by fisheries officials amid suspicions its owner was illegally fishing as locals complain of escalating thefts of crays and pots out at sea. Tough penalties could result from the seizure, with Geraldton-based fisheries officers taking in the vessel recently after investigations into allegations of “over-potting” and pot interference in the waters off Geraldton. Over-potting refers to an offence of contravening a managed fishery permit by illegally using additional lobster pots. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Mid West regional compliance manager Mick Kelly said charges had not yet been laid against the fisherman. “Investigations into those offences are continuing and charges are expected to be laid in early 2021,” he said. “A request for the forfeiture of the vessel will be requested of the court, on conviction.” Mr Kelly said he was unable to provide more specific details of the case as the investigation was ongoing. If convicted, the fisherman will face a fine of up $40,000 for over-potting and up to $25,000 or 12 months imprisonment for interfering with fishing gear. Mr Kelly urged anyone who suspected illegal fishing or activity was taking place to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507. Meanwhile, weeks into the peak season, or the annual “whites run” migration of WA rock lobsters, local fishers are voicing their frustrations over the theft of their catch and cray pots. The peak season runs through November and December each year when the crayfish population moves from the coastline to the deep waters of the continental shelf. Thousands of Geraldton locals and visitors dust off their pots and try their luck off the coast, but thefts during this period are seen as an increasing issue. Troy Hutchinson has been laying pots off Geraldton for more than three decades and believes the theft of crayfish and craypots theft is escalating. “It happens this time every year and I’ve already had two pots go missing in the last two weeks,” he said. Mr Hutchinson said losing pots was expensive for recreational fishers as they usually cost hundreds of dollars to replace. “Two years ago was probably the worst — we lost six,” he said. Mr Kelly said interference with fishing gear was a concern to officials at this time of year. He said fisheries officers had received “off-the-cuff remarks” from fishers at boat ramps recently regarding pot interference but “no direct reports have been made”.