Kelvin Peter Mallard: Bluff Point abalone poacher fined after obstructing and driving off from Fisheries

A Geraldton man has been hit with fines totalling more than $9000 for illegally taking more than 100 abalone from Greenough River, after Fisheries officers caught him using a screwdriver to peel the prized delicacies from a reef platform. Kelvin Peter Mallard, 34, from Bluff Point, was also charged with hindering the Fisheries officers by giving them fake personal details, and fleeing the scene with two bags of poached abalone. Mallard appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday, May 13, when he was found guilty of taking abalone in contravention of an order, failing to provide his details to officers, obstructing a Fisheries officer, and failing to allow officers to count the abalone in his possession. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development told the court Fisheries officers saw Mallard using a screwdriver on a reef platform south of Greenough River mouth in February 2023. Taking abalone from north of Moore River is strictly prohibited following a 2011 marine heatwave that killed more than 90 per cent of Roe’s abalone stocks. The court was told the 34-year-old gave officers a false name and date of birth, and refused to provide his address. He also refused requests to inspect two bags which he returned from the reef with. According to DPIRD, the officer was only able to examine one bag, containing 170 abalone before Mallard drove off with both bags. DPIRD Mid West regional compliance director Mick Kelly said taking the abalone and refusing to comply with lawful orders was unacceptable behaviour. “DPIRD Fisheries officers have an important job in protecting WA’s fish resources from illegal activity, but they carry out the task in a professional manner to achieve results like this,” he said. Mallard was fined a total of $9171. Abalone fishing rules can be found on the recreational fishing rules website. Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507.