Perth men reel in hefty fines for fouling fish limits
Two Perth men who were caught with undersize fish and being in breach of bag limits in WA"s Mid West earlier this year have been fined more than $7,000.
Fisheries officers inspected the boat of Michael Christopher Treble, 35, and Samuel Ricciardo, 33, at the Leeman boat ramp on February 16, 40km north of Jurien Bay,
The Leeman Court heard Mr Treble was asked if the men had been fishing. He removed a wetsuit off the deck of the boat to reveal four demersal fish.
The court was also told by the Fisheries prosecutor that several more fish were spotted in an open long white catch bag on the vessel.
The men placed ten fish on the deck including six baldchin groper, three breaksea cod and one nearshore species.
Because only one of the men had a fishing from boat licence, the pair had seven more demersal fish than they should have.
Fisheries officers found one of the baldchin groper was also under size.
Mr Treble was found guilty in his absence and fined $2000 as a general penalty and ordered to pay a mandatory additional penalty of $1400 plus court costs of $190.
Mr Ricciardo pleaded guilty and was also fined $3600.
He will be required to pay the fines but was granted a spent conviction.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development compliance manager Mick Kelly said the large fines that apply to breaches of bag and size limits sent a loud and clear message to deter others from offending.
Call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 to report any suspected illegal fishing activity.