Pair fined for oyster farm interference

Two men have been fined for interfering with fishing gear at a shellfish farm in Albany’s Oyster Harbour.

A 45-year-old Albany man and 73-year-old Mandurah man were fined $1205 each last week and granted spent convictions for removing 80 oysters from poles and lines in the aquaculture lease area.

The Albany Magistrate’s Court was told the offenders were in the intertidal area at midday on October 13, 2018, when they removed the shellfish.

Information from the public led to a Fisheries officer apprehending the pair, who admitted to taking the oysters without permission.

After the sentencing, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development regional manager Russell Adams said it was important to protect farming infrastructure.

“Aquaculture growth is bringing jobs and new opportunities for the State,” Mr Adams said.

“It is illegal to remove any fish, including oysters and mussels, from any fishing or aquaculture gear without the authority of the owner and the offence carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and up to one year’s imprisonment.

Illegal behaviour can be reported to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.