Two men fined for illegal out-of-season abalone catches in Western Australia
Two men were fined for catching abalone illegally outside the December-February season near Perth in separate incidents in November.
A 23-year-old from Wannamal was fined $2,004.90 for catching 41 abalone out of season in November north of Mindarie Marina. Fisheries officers spotted him on November 2 with a bag of the illegal catch.
In a separate case, a 22-year-old from Wilson was ordered to pay $1,366.10 for collecting 20 abalone on November 30 from the same waters, also out of season. Abalone fishing is only open during four set hours each year.
The season runs between December and February in the western zone. The Department of Primary Industries says the maximum fine for out-of-season fishing can reach $40,000.
The fine can also be ten times the value of the catch. It is illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch.
- $3,370
- Total fines combined
- December-February, four designated hours
- Season window
- $40,000 plus ten times catch value
- Maximum penalty available
Why it mattersEnforcement actions show the fishery regulator is actively protecting abalone stocks. This keeps the species available for licensed recreational fishers.
AustraliaWestern Australian fishers need to follow strict seasonal limits or face significant penalties; illegal catches undermine the sustainability rules designed to preserve this popular resource.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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