A fisherman has been hammered with a fine of more than $14,000 for illegally taking abalone in a sanctuary zone just off the coast of Shoalwater in Perth's south.
Rockingham Court was told on Friday that honorary fisheries officers from Department of Parks and Wildlife saw the man fishing for Roe's abalone behind a rock on the south side of Seal Island back in February of 2015.
The court was told the 56-year-old Rockingham man ignored orders to stop what he was doing and began to walk away along a reef platform before submerging two green mesh bags into a hole in the structure.
One officer swam out to recover the bags, which were inspected by Department of Fisheries officers and found to contain 132 Roe's abalone and two turban shells: 28 of the abalone were undersize.
The magistrate found the man guilty of possessing 132 Roe's abalone from illegal fishing activity and said his actions were "inexcusable."
He was ordered to pay a fine of $14,629.10, as well as a mandatory penalty and court costs.
Rockingham-based Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Darren Schofield said Shag Rock, the reef platform and immediate waters were part of a restricted area.
"During the West Coast Zone abalone fishing seasons, abalone can be taken within the marine park, except from sanctuary zones and also Murray Reef," Mr Schofield said.
"The reef platform at Shag Rock and its immediate waters are a part of the Seal Island Sanctuary Zone, where the taking of abalone is prohibited all year round."
Information on rules and limits is available in the Recreational fishing guide, which can be found online at www.fish.wa.gov.au.
Anyone with information on illegal fishing activity is urged to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507.