A WA fisherman who illegally sold more than 300 recreationally caught lobster has been fined more than $90,000 and had his fishing gear seized.
Graham Thomas Davies, 67, of Yanchep, pleaded guilty in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday to a range of charges that came from a long running investigation by Fisheries officers into illegal sales of the delicacy.
Recreational fishers in WA cannot sell or swap lobsters for any financial gain or reward.
The court heard Davies illegally sold 20 rock lobster that had been caught recreationally on December 15 in 2015 and illegally sold a further 50 recreational rock lobster on January 14, 2016.
Fisheries investigations also detailed how Davies had sold 279 additional recreationally-caught rock lobster on 18 other occasions from November 2015 to March 2016.
In making its case against Mr Davies, Fisheries executed two search warrants at two residences in April 2016 and seized a 6.4m vessel, its trailer and 150 horsepower outboard motor, plus cooking and processing equipment and other supplies.
The court imposed a fine and costs on Mr Davies, placed a forfeiture over some of his fishing equipment and handed down an order prohibiting him from being on any vessel fishing for rock lobster for two years.
Fisheries Compliance Manager Todd A'Vard said Mr Davies was lucky to have kept his boat.
"Whilst on this occasion the vessel and trailer were not forfeited, the significant fines, as well as forfeiture of four rock lobster pots and a GPS - and the granting of a court order prohibiting Davies from being on a boat used for rock lobster fishing - sends a strong message," Mr A'Vard said.
"Black market fish thieves are on notice - individuals tempted to sell their catch illegally need to consider the risk of receiving large fines and having boats, vehicles and gear seized. Seafood trafficking offences also carry a potential of four-years jail – do you want to risk that?"
In a separate operation, fisheries officers targeting illegal rock lobster dealing executed a search warrant at a home in Hamilton Hill where they seized 24 rock lobster tails and other items.
A 73-year-old man is under investigation.