​The marron season opened at midday yesterday, Tuesday 8 January 2013 and will run until midday on 5 February 2013.

Department of Fisheries Manager for the Southwest Bioregion Tim Nicholas says marron populations have shrunk over recent decades, mostly because of low rainfall, reduced river flow and increasing salinity.

“Therefore fishers are reminded that they must adhere to the bag and size limits, this will help to keep marron populations sustainable,” Mr Nicholas said.

For the upcoming season the daily bag limit is eight marron per licensed fisher and the possession limit is 16 marron in non-trophy waters.

Trophy waters can be found in the waters of, and within 500 metres of the waterline of Harvey Dam, Waroona Dam (and its tributaries) and the Hutt River, north of Geraldton.

A marron must have a carapace length of at least 80 mm before you can keep it.

Different marron fishing rules apply to trophy waters; in these waters there is a combined daily bag and possession limit of five marron per licensed fisher and a marron must have a carapace length of a least 90 millimetres before you can keep it.

A licence is required for recreational marron fishing.

To find out more about the  marron fishing rules, including legal fishing gear and specific types of marron waters or to buy your licence online, go to the Department of Fisheries website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.

You can also buy your licence at Australia Post outlets or Fisheries offices.