Marron charges laid out of season

Fisheries officers say they have disrupted a “significant” marron poaching operation this week in the lead-up to the January marron season opening.

The bust was made following public reports that alleged up to 30 or 40 people had formed a social group to camp out and catch marron from Wellington Dam, as an annual get-together.

Officers inspected four vehicles and apprehended a man along with 22 marron traps.

The investigation is continuing.

The bust comes days after officers seized 139 illegally caught marron from two fishers on a night patrol near Collie.

The two fishers will appear in Collie Magistrates Court and could face penalties of up to $5000 for possession of marron during the non-possession period, with an additional $50 per marron, as well as up to $5000 for possession of totally protected marron (those undersize or carrying eggs).

Marron season runs from midday January 8 to midday February 5.

The public is urged to report any illegal fishing activity to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.