Court told lobsters in holiday haul were all undersize

A 31 year old man’s holiday fishing trip to Greenhead led to a large fine yesterday, after he
entered a plea of guilty to taking 15 undersize rock lobsters.

In the Moora Court, Lee David Richmond of High Wycombe, who was not required to appear in
person, was ordered to pay almost $2,800 in fines, penalties and court costs.

The Magistrate was told that Fisheries and Marines Officers were conducting checks of
recreational fishers at the Greenhead Boat Ramp on Friday 29 December 2006, when
Richmond’s catch was inspected at around 2pm.

All the western rock lobster the offender had in his possession were measured and found to be
less than the legal minimum carapace length of 77mm. The rock lobsters ranged in size from
58.70mm to 75.80mm.

The offender told Fisheries and Marine Officers, in a record of interview, that he believed the
western rock lobster “looked size”, but also admitted that he didn’t know the size limit.
Richmond was fined $1500 for breaching Section 46(b) of the Fish Resources Management Act
(FRMA). He was also ordered to pay a mandatory penalty of $1194 and costs of $105.70.
Department of Fisheries Regional Manager, Greg Finlay said he welcomed the Magistrate’s
ruling, which underlined the community’s concern about people who would take totally
protected fish.

“The Magistrate described Richmond’s actions as ‘a serious offence’,” Mr Finlay said.
“Not only were all 15 rock lobster the offender had caught undersize, but he also had 7 more
than the daily bag limit allows for.

“It’s a strong reminder to everyone that Fisheries and Marine Officers carry out random patrols
of fishing activity, even in small or isolated towns and coastal fishing spots.”
Mr Finlay said although this offence occurred during the rock lobster season, it was also
important to note the recreational season had now ended (it finished on 30 June) and it would not
reopen until 15 November.

Details on recreational fishing rules throughout Western Australia, including size, bag, boat and
possession limits, are available on the Department’s website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.