The Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working with the local north-west
communities to stamp out illegal fishing in the Ningaloo Marine Park.
The
locals between Red Bluff and North West Cape protect it with a passion and, as
guardians of this environmental jewel, public complaints about suspicious
fishing activity and concerns around overfishing have been on the rise.
Established
in 1987 and expanded in 2004 to protect the entire reef system, Ningaloo Marine
Park has always been a mecca for holidaymakers.
Last
month, DPIRD compliance officers achieved six successful prosecutions in one
day in Exmouth Court, with penalties for offenders ranging from $450 to more
than $2,409.
To
further respond to illegal fishing concerns, an operation was geared-up to
blitz the Ningaloo Marine Park and target rule breakers, as well as educate
fishers on new statewide rules, gather intel on illegal activity and focus on
the 18 Sanctuary Zones where fishing is not allowed.
Highly
visible roadside check points and sea patrols are vital to detect offenders
Operation
Aelton is ongoing and was stepped up in late August with highly visible land
and sea patrols, camp inspections and setting up roadside check points around Exmouth
and Coral Bay to target traffic leaving Ningaloo Marine Park.
Over six days, 28 fishing offences were detected, some of which will be
prosecuted. For the others infringement fines or warnings were issued.
Illegal
spearfishing activity was among a range of offences officers uncovered
Supervising Northern Region Fisheries and
Marine Officer, Darren Schofield said the DPIRD officers received valuable
information from the public about suspected illegal fishing activities.
“The main offence uncovered was the failure
to label fish, there were also those who fished in sanctuary zones, took rock
lobsters without having a licence to do so, caught totally protected lobsters (with
tarspot), or spearfished for protected fish species,” Mr Schofield said.
“I’m also pleased to say the officers taking
part in Operation Aelton received lots of positive feedback from the public,
especially at the roadside check points.
“This operation
was a response to increase in detected offences, increased fishing pressure in
the marine park and is a timely reminder that even though you are on holidays
you need to abide by fishing rules.
“As compliance officers our role is to uphold
community standards, represented by WA’s fishing rules that are part of sustainable
fisheries management to ensure there’ll be fish for the future.”
Illegal fishing is a potential
threat to sustainability, so FishWatch is available 24/7 ready to take calls from anyone
with concerns or suspicions – call 1800
815 507 to report what you’ve seen.