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.
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