WAÂ Fisheries has pulled another boat from the water off Perth for alleged rock lobster pot interference - this time a fishing tinny up to mischief off Rottnest.
A 28-year-old man from Maylands had his 4.5m aluminium vessel hauled onto a flat bed truck and carted away on Wednesday leaving him to face allegations of lobster pot offences.
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How to cook crayfish
Recfishwest, WA's peak body for recreational fishers, has provided a guide on how to cook rock lobster.
This is the fifth boat seized this recreational rock lobster season under Operation Bagana, with an alleged pot thief's boat yanked from the water in October, two more nabbed in November and a top dollar Assassin craft confiscated earlier this month.
The latest boat seizure comes as five men were found guilty on Tuesday in Fremantle Court of serious rock lobster offences, committed during last year's fishing season and as recent as October this year around Rottnest Island.
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George Frank Waring of Cottesloe was fined $5000 plus costs, Clive Valentine Addison of Subiaco received $2500 plus costs, Digby Thomasnat Veling of Bicton got $10,000 plus costs and Thomas William Stransky of East Fremantle copped $10,000 plus costs for a range of offences in November and December last year.
In addition to interference charges, Waring and Addison were also convicted of using excess pots, and Veling and Stransky were convicted of failing to tail clip recreationally-caught rock lobsters.
Separately, Tarm Stephen Ralph Michielsen of Hillarys was fined over $3000 for obstruction of a fisheries officer and possession of totally protected rock lobster when he was apprehended in October this year at Rottnest.
North Metropolitan Compliance Manager Todd A'Vard said the seizures and charges show fisheries officers are being extremely vigilant on the water.
"Rottnest Island is a special place for many West Australians, and we won't tolerate these fish thieves ruining the experience for the rest of the community who are just trying to set a pot and catch a feed – often on their family holiday with the kids," Mr A'Vard said.
"Rogue fishers can expect to be under surveillance and it's only a matter of time until you are caught. And when you are – expect severe penalties – as were handed down in Fremantle Court on Tuesday this week."
"Our message has been clear this season that we don't tolerate any gear interference. Not only do you risk having your boat seized – you could have your fishing licence suspended or cancelled."
Anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing activities is urged not to get involved, but report what they see to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.